Making coffee has become an integral ritual for many, a kind of sacrament of receiving a cup of hot, invigorating drink. The emergence of a whole culture of drink lovers has led to the emergence of a wide range of devices that differ in their characteristics. Among them, the geyser coffee maker stands out, which has already found its popularity in European countries and is increasingly recognized in the domestic market.
General information and principles of operation
Based on the power source, coffee makers of this type are divided into gas and electric. An electric coffee maker requires a power source from the mains; gas coffee makers are installed on a gas stove. Gas options are used to prepare a drink over a fire in camping conditions.
The standard device includes three containers:
- container for prepared coffee;
- filter funnel;
- container for filling with water.
The metal tank is filled with water, the ground coffee beans are poured into the funnel. A container for ready-made coffee is placed on top of them. Then the entire structure is installed on fire or connected to a power source.
Directly cooking goes through two stages:
- After reaching the required temperature, the water begins to boil and rushes up the tube towards the poured powder.
- The boiled water reaches the strainer, boils the powder in it, and flows into the upper part with a drink of wonderful taste.
Design features of coffee makers
To understand what such a coffee maker is, it is enough to imagine an ordinary kettle divided into several parts. Regardless of any characteristics related to type, volume, manufacturer, the components remain unchanged to reproduce the geyser principle. At the bottom there is a container filled with water, then a funnel for ground coffee, and on top there is a reservoir in which the finished coffee will be.
The general design features of the devices remain:
- The lower component is made of metal: either steel or aluminum is predominantly used.
- Instant coffee is not used for preparation.
- Water is poured strictly to the set level, otherwise the machine will not brew coffee.
- The materials used to make the top part are metal, glass, and plastic.
What functions can it include?
The functional features of the device differ depending on the manufacturer, type, and cost.
The main function of a coffee maker is to prepare a strong drink with a rich aroma, but auxiliary functions can make life much easier for a coffee gourmet. Among them are:
- audible warning signaling readiness;
- light indicator indicating that the device is connected to the network;
- countdown timer until time is ready;
- protection against voltage surges and short circuits;
- automatic shutdown;
- automatic turn-on timer. The time set for automatic switching on and starting work allows a person to enjoy a cup of aromatic coffee immediately after sleep.
Advantages of geyser coffee makers
Coffee lovers who choose among the many options for preparing in such machines highlight the following advantages:
- Compared to coffee prepared in a Turkish coffee maker, the drink from a geyser coffee maker is much tastier and differs in strength, richness, and aroma.
- You don’t need to watch the device like you would a Turk, preventing the boiled mixture from running onto the stove.
- A sound signal will always warn you when it is ready.
- The prepared drink does not contain coffee grounds. The design of the product allows moisture to pass through the filter, become saturated, but not take with it the grounds that would be in the sediment.
- At the bookmarking stage, you can add spices to the filter funnel to taste (ginger, cinnamon, etc.).
- Affordable price compared to coffee machines and even some Turks.
- Ease of storage and practicality due to its non-bulky dimensions.
- Possibility of brewing teas based on tea leaves or medicinal herbs.
Disadvantages of geyser coffee makers
Along with the advantages, there are also disadvantages of geyser coffee makers. These include:
- The device is designed for the same volume of liquid: if the nominal volume is 2 cups, it will not be possible to make a different number of cups.
- Opinions differ as to how the beans should be ground. Proponents of coarse grinding argue that fine grinding will simply clog the filter and will have to be cleaned. A solution to this problem is proposed - self-grinding of grains. Proponents of fine grinding also believe that it is better to grind them yourself (for a wonderful aroma), compress them to get a uniform taste.
- Due to its unique design, a geyser coffee maker is more difficult to clean than a Turk.
- Disappointment for foam lovers - foam is not provided.
- After disconnecting from the mains or removing it from the stove, you can get burned on the metal part of the device for a long time due to negligence.
Operating rules
Of course, you should start by carefully reading the included instructions.
Before turning it on or before placing it on the stove, you need to make sure that the assembled structure is correct and that all the necessary parts are present.
After the device has started working, wait for the sound notification when the upper part is filled with liquid: after that it can be poured into cups.
Use your hands only to grasp the specially designed handle to avoid getting burns from the heated surface.
You need to wash each part after each time of use: the filter will become less clogged. Washing in the dishwasher is contraindicated; you will have to wash it by hand.
What main parameters do you pay attention to when purchasing?
Volume. You need to buy a coffee maker with the volume needed for one time based on the number of cups. The lower reservoir must be filled completely or otherwise it will not create the required pressure.
Unit type. The two most common types with their pros and cons.
Electric requires a free, powered outlet, is easy to use, and provides quick cooking results. If you need to make the next batch right away, cooling the electrical appliance with water is problematic. Loses all relevance in the absence of electricity.
The gas unit is highly reliable; you can take it with you where there is no electricity (picnics, nature).Easily “recharged” with the next portion. Heating of the gas type takes much longer.
Material of manufacture. If it is possible to purchase a steel version, it is worth choosing it instead of aluminum, because the latter is known for its property of imparting an off-flavor to the prepared drink.
Design and functionality. Personal choice of each buyer. The appearance and availability of features will affect the final price, so many people make do with simple, reliable options.
Making coffee correctly in a geyser coffee maker is not at all difficult. You need to choose good quality beans and follow simple recommendations - all this will be the key to preparing a cup of aromatic coffee that can satisfy even demanding gourmets.
