Drip or carob coffee maker: what to choose

Manufacturers of coffee makers offer coffee gourmets a large selection of different models, with which you can quickly prepare several varieties of coffee and drinks based on it.

Among the wide range of coffee makers on store shelves, carob and drip machines are considered the most popular - they differ from each other not only in their appearance, but also in their operating principle, so choosing a suitable device must be approached with special attention.

In the article we will answer the question, which one is better, what to look for when choosing and purchasing , and also, what are the differences between them?

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What is a carob coffee maker?

The horn coffee maker got its name due to the presence of a special horn-shaped nest into which ground coffee beans are placed for further preparation of coffee.
The device is designed to prepare classic espresso with dense foam on the surface. There are two main types of horn-type devices: steam (boiler) and pump-type. In steam coffee makers, liquid is placed in a sealed compartment and heated to create steam. Once the steam has passed through the coffee powder, the drink is ready to drink.

In the pump model, the water is quickly heated to 90-100 degrees, and then passes through the coffee using a pump. The technology allows you to preserve all the beneficial substances and get the most intense aroma.

Important! The pressure and power of steam devices is lower than in pump models, which is why the coffee preparation time is doubled.

Choosing a carob coffee maker

When choosing a carob-type coffee maker, compare the pros and cons.

Pros:

quick preparation of the drink - less than a minute;
saving ground coffee;
possibility of using coffee in pods;
delicate creamy foam (in pump models);
built-in cappuccino maker even in the simplest machines.

Minuses:

steam models prepare regular strong coffee without foam;
higher price;
experience is needed to fill the powder into the cone;
a small number of servings prepared at a time - two maximum.

It is important to consider the features of carob devices when purchasing:

the models use plastic and metal horns; metal ones are more durable and warm up the drink better;
the power of the device should be 1000-1700 W;
the water should not be heated above 95 °C so that the taste of the coffee does not deteriorate;
the second pump in the system and 2 horns require making 2 cups of coffee at a time;
using coffee in pods will eliminate the need to clean the horns, but will increase the cost of coffee;
The built-in cappuccino maker allows you to prepare coffee with thick milk foam.

What is a drip coffee maker?

A drip coffee maker is an electric device with a heater in which hot water passes through a coffee filter and enters a reservoir .
Preparing a delicious drink in a drip machine is quite simple: cold water is poured into the tank, and ground coffee is placed in the cone filter.

After turning on the device, the process of steam formation begins and the resulting steam condenses in the compartment of the device body located above the filter.

At a temperature of 90 degrees, drops flow through the coffee and flow into the flask . Once this process is complete, the freshly prepared coffee can be poured into cups.

Note! The rich aroma and strength of the prepared drink is achieved through the slow passage of water through the ground coffee.

Differences between drip coffee makers

In most cases, drip coffee makers are similar in design. But there are also differences, according to which you can choose the most suitable one for yourself. These coffee machines have the following set of functions:

A limiter that protects drink containers from overflowing.
Possibility of moving drink containers.
Maintains constant coffee temperature. Works only when the coffee machine is switched on.
An electronic dispenser that helps you correctly divide the ratio of drink to water.
A setting that allows you to control the strength of the coffee output.
A scale showing the amount of coffee produced.
Built-in timer allows you to make coffee at any convenient time.
Function that controls the number of coffee cups.
Thermostat notifying about coffee temperature.
Built-in coffee grinder for whole grain products.

Be sure to read: Espresso machine: types of coffee machines, history, review of the best brands, prices

Advantages and disadvantages of horn models

Carob coffee makers are in great demand among coffee connoisseurs, since such machines have many advantages. The main advantages of the device are:

increased efficiency - the process of preparing a drink takes only 30 seconds;
the ability to control the water level and liquid temperature;
the presence of steam valves and an auto-shut-off function - this helps extend the life of the device and ensures safe operation;
removable tray for collecting drops;
absence of coffee grounds in the prepared drink;
bifurcated nozzle for simultaneous filling of two cups;
maintaining the temperature of the finished coffee;
heating cups and milk;
the ability to prepare several variants of the drink;
tamper for compacting ground coffee;
formation of delicate creamy foam using a cappuccino maker;
minimum consumption of coffee beans.

Reference! Some models provide a remote control function for the coffee machine, which allows you to control the operation of the device from your smartphone.

Despite the large number of advantages, horn models also have disadvantages:

big size;
lack of a built-in coffee grinder;
the need to compact the ground grains in the cone.

Types of carob coffee makers

Carob coffee makers are divided into steam and pump, the second type is a little more expensive. However, a pump coffee maker is often much more convenient to use than a steam one, so the difference in price is justified. The pump device allows you to significantly improve the taste of coffee, while speeding up its preparation.

An additional advantage of a pump-action coffee maker is the amount of coffee that can be obtained from one serving of beans placed in the horn. The steam model gives no more than four cups of rich coffee, and the pump model – 6-7.

Another point that affects the price of a coffee maker is the material of the horn: it can be plastic or metal. According to top baristas, the plastic cone affects the taste of the coffee, adding a strange "plastic or chemical" taste to it. Therefore, it is still recommended to choose metal horns if you really value the taste of coffee.

Advantages and disadvantages of drip models

Drip coffee makers have a number of advantages over other coffee making devices. Among them:

simplicity and ease of maintenance;
reliability of design;
reasonable price;
presence of heating pads;
light weight and size;
silent operation;
absence of complex mechanisms;
function of heating the finished drink;
large volume glass flask;
possibility to brew tea or prepare cocoa.

Drip-type devices are not without disadvantages that must be taken into account before purchasing. The disadvantages of such devices include the following points:

high consumption of ground coffee;
insufficient strength of the drink;
additional material costs for purchasing filters;
the need to clean the device after each use.

Rules for choosing a drip coffee maker

When choosing a drip coffee maker, pay attention to the following features:

Power depends on the size of the device. The larger the system, the higher the power. The speed of preparation and the strength of the coffee depend on the power. For lovers of strong drinks, systems with a power of 800 W or more are suitable.
Material for making a container for the finished drink. Glass is preferred.
Water filter. You can save on it if you use bottled or filtered water.
The volume of the container for the finished drink. The amount of coffee prepared at one time depends on the size.
Filters. There are paper (disposable), nylon and metal. The latter are indefinite, but allow a lot of sediment to pass through.

Drip coffee makers have their pros and cons.

Advantages:

low cost;
ease of operation;
large volume of drink at one time;
Can be used as a teapot.

Flaws:

when using disposable filters, regular replacement is required;
It is necessary to completely wash the device after each cooking;
the result in the form of the desired strength and temperature of the drink is not always guaranteed;
lack of creamy foam;
high consumption of coffee powder;
lack of cappuccino maker.

What are the differences and which one to choose?

In order not to make a mistake with your choice and purchase a device that meets your expectations, you should familiarize yourself with the main functions, capabilities and differences between the two types of coffee makers, and also compare them.

Operating principle and design

A drip coffee maker consists of a coffee pot and a heating element connected to a stove. There is also a water tank, a coffee filter and a control panel equipped with one or more buttons.

The device works by filtration: water poured into the tank moves to the heating element, as a result of which it becomes hot and is sent through a pipe into the compartment with ground coffee. Steam is formed in the compartment, which turns into condensate, passes through the coffee powder and gradually flows into the container. After the liquid enters the coffee pot, the heating element starts up, maintaining the temperature of the prepared drink.

Important! The heating plate is designed in such a way that without water supply the device cannot burn out.

The coffee grounds do not fall into the cups - they remain in the filter. Nylon filters are designed for long-term use. Usually they are enough for 60 brews. Paper filters are suitable for one-time use only: after making coffee, they are immediately thrown away.

Instead of standard filters, a carob coffee maker uses horns made of plastic or metal. Ground coffee beans are placed in the cone, through which the steam necessary to prepare the drink passes.

Unlike a drip device, a carob-type coffee maker has a more complex operating principle and includes not only a heating boiler and a water tank, but also elements such as:

holder (horn);
tray for cups with a mesh surface and an installed drip tray;
hot water supply tap;
steam supply lever;
steam pipe;
pump and boiler pressure gauge;
cappuccino maker;
light indication;
power and spill buttons.

Reference! Expensive models have a dish heating function designed to maintain the optimal temperature of the cups.

Taste qualities of finished coffee

The taste of coffee prepared in different coffee makers varies significantly. Using a carob coffee maker you can prepare strong and aromatic espresso , latte or cappuccino without coffee grounds. At the same time, a stable foam will appear on the surface of the drink, which is considered a sign of high-quality, properly brewed coffee.

If there is little powder or it is not compacted enough, the water will quickly pass through the coffee and will not have time to be enriched with flavor properties. If the ground coffee beans are packed too tightly, the drink may be too strong and bitter.

A drip-type device can prepare an equally tasty drink, however, when using such a coffee maker, you can brew regular black coffee without foam .

Ground coffee consumption

The strength of the resulting drink directly depends on the quality of the coffee used and its dosage.

To make coffee in a drip coffee maker, you will need more ground material than in the case of a carob model. The consumption of ground coffee per serving of a drink brewed in a carob-type coffee machine is 6-8 g, in a drip machine - 10-12 g.

Difficulty and time to prepare

Drip machines are considered the easiest to use , since to obtain an aromatic drink you just need to load the necessary ingredients into the device and turn it on. The preparation time for one serving of coffee in such a device is on average 2 minutes, however, the lower the power of the model, the longer the brewing process will take.

It is more difficult to prepare a drink in a carob coffee maker , since you first need to carefully fill the holder with ground coffee, compact the raw materials well, install the coffee horn in the connector, and only then turn on the device. The preparation time for coffee without preliminary preparation of components is only 20-30 seconds.

A significant advantage of the drip device is the ability to prepare a large volume of drink at a time.

Functional

The functionality of carob and drip coffee makers is constantly being improved, which makes the device easier to use.
The key functions of drip models are:

anti-drip system, the presence of which prevents liquid from splashing outside the device;
filtration system for purifying tap water;
automatic heating of the flask to maintain the optimal temperature of the drink for three hours;
timer – the function allows the user to program the time to turn on the device and prepare a specific drink;
turning off heating upon completion of work.

Among the main functionalities of carob coffee makers are:

automatic shutdown of the device, extending the service life of the device;
the presence of a display or light indicators indicating the water level;
high level of steam pressure to obtain rich and aromatic coffee;
automatic decalcification – this function ensures high-quality self-cleaning of the device from various contaminants.

Important! When choosing a coffee maker, you should pay attention to the power of the device. To quickly prepare coffee, it is recommended to choose devices with a power of 800-1000 W.

Dimensions

Drip coffee makers are compact in size , they do not take up much space in the kitchen and are easy to move. However, horn-type devices can hardly be called too large - their dimensions depend on the presence of additional functions and the complexity of the device.

Ease of use

And using drip models is much easier. Such devices do not require special care, because nothing gets dirty except the replaceable filters and the container for the finished coffee. After making coffee, the disposable filter should be thrown away and a new one installed in its place.

Horn devices, in turn, are less convenient. In order to clean the device, it must be disassembled and washed thoroughly. Care is also required for the accessories that come with the device.

Price

Drip coffee makers are cheaper than carob coffee makers. The cost of drip models varies from 1,500 to 10,000 rubles, the price of carob models - from 5,000 to 50,000 rubles .

Design of a carob coffee maker

To choose from two types of devices, you need to know how a carob-type coffee maker differs from a drip coffee maker. First of all, this is the cooking method. For carob models, coffee is placed in a carob, which is then screwed into the brewing group. Heated water flows onto the coffee beans, wetting them and flowing into the mug. This creates a foam that is so attractive to espresso lovers.

If the carob model has a built-in pump with the ability to create a pressure of about 8 - 9 bar, good coffee in the morning is guaranteed. Sometimes the drink turns out without foam and this is not due to the carob coffee maker. When using ground coffee from store-bought packs, you may not see a lush foamy head. It only happens when brewing a drink from freshly ground grains.

The difference between a carob coffee maker and a drip coffee maker is that the first model has a more complex design.

Operating principle of drip

It is impossible to decide which coffee machine is better for the home - carob or drip - until the second model has been studied. For a filter coffee maker, a nylon mesh or disposable paper filter plays the role of a horn. Given the good quality of the device, it is a worthy competitor to horn models in the mid-price segment.

How the beans are brewed:

A filter is installed in the ground coffee compartment.

The ground powder is poured in.

Water is poured into the tank.

The cooking button turns on.

The water is heated and enters the layer of ground coffee, gradually flowing through it. Then the drink enters the flask, from where it is poured into cups.

Capsule coffee machine - technical operating parameters

If you compare capsule or carob coffee makers - which is better - a lot depends on the quality of the coffee. Cheap varieties often contain foreign impurities and do not provide the aroma and taste that can be obtained from the original capsules.

These two models must be the same in power and pressure in the pump, then they can be compared by brewing the same type of coffee in two devices. In such cases, the result will be approximately the same.

The difference is in the price of one serving: capsule coffee is usually more expensive than grain coffee in the middle price segment, so sooner or later the owners begin to look for an alternative to the original - they buy reusable metal cups, pour coffee into it each time and brew it. This allows you to reduce the cost of your favorite drink.

Geyser model

If you have a choice: geyser or drip coffee maker, which is better to choose? The principle of making coffee in both cases is similar in that both devices do not have high pressure, so the drink turns out slightly watery. The geyser model will cost less than the drip model, especially from the expensive sector.

Brewing in a geyser will require less time - approximately 3 - 4 minutes until the water boils and flows into the upper container. In a drip unit, this will take 10–12 minutes.

The sizes of both may be the same, since there are large geysers and small drip devices.

Important! The taste of coffee differs little if we compare the operation of devices that prepare coffee using the steam method, which displaces boiling water onto the beans

There is one advantage to a geyser device – the consumption of ground coffee. You need less of it, so a geyser coffee maker will be cheaper to use.

Which coffee maker is better - geyser, carob or drip, what to choose. If a carob with a pump creates pressure to extract grains, then definitely choose it. You won’t be able to get good espresso from cheap cones, like in a cafe, so buying one of the three devices will be equivalent.

Reviews

Below are some customer reviews. If you have something to say, leave your feedback in the comments below the article, it will be useful to our readers.

I've been using a drip coffee maker for about three years. The device is inexpensive, convenient, I quickly figured out how to use it, and the taste is quite satisfactory. The volume is only 0.6 liters, so coffee is brewed in minutes. But there are some nuances that I would like to change: the coffee turns out warm, not hot, you have to change filters often and there is no foam on the surface. You also need to use filtered water, otherwise scale will form, which is difficult to get rid of.

I recently purchased a new carob coffee maker. The old one served for almost 6 years and, unfortunately, broke. As a big connoisseur of quality coffee, I can say with confidence that it is impossible to make espresso or latte better than a coffee maker. The coffee is brewed instantly and turns out rich, with a pronounced aroma and dense creamy foam. There is only one downside: you can only prepare two servings of the drink at a time.

Cons of carob coffee makers

The pros and cons of carob coffee makers largely depend on the properties of the particular machine. This design itself allows you to get really good and tasty coffee, therefore, if you do not buy a cheap model, but spend money on an expensive and high-quality one (in this case there is a direct relationship between price and quality), then such a coffee maker will have practically no disadvantages. The price also depends on the types of coffee that are available for preparation in a particular carob coffee maker (for example, espresso, cappuccino, latte and others).

At the same time, any coffee maker, of course, loses to a coffee machine, which has a much larger number of settings and functions, which will allow you to turn the process of making coffee into real creativity.

The main disadvantage of a carob coffee maker is that it almost never has a built-in coffee grinder. Also, to use it, you will definitely need a tamper - this is a special tool for pressing coffee into a cone.

A carob coffee maker is usually quite bulky; one might say that it is closer to a household appliance, but this point is not always a disadvantage.