Operating principle of a drip coffee maker

Traditional coffee brewing involves boiling ground beans until the water becomes a liquid rich in flavor and aromas. This process can last quite a long time. A drip coffee maker helps speed it up.

A drip coffee maker is a device for preparing filtered coffee using the pour-over method.

History of appearance

The chronology of the emergence of a new method of preparing a drink beloved by many is as follows:

1. 1710 - the first filter bag appeared in France;
2. 1800 - priest Jean-Baptiste de Belloy-Morangle invented a prototype coffee maker;
3. 1825 - Briton Benjamin Thompson, Count Rumfoord, demonstrated a percolator; however, the American farmer Hans Goodrich received a patent for it in 1889.
4. 1827 - Parisian Moritz demonstrated a coffee maker that was turned over during the brewing process;
5. 1908 - the first paper filter was made from a sheet of notebook by German housewife Melitta Benz, who did not like coffee particles in the liquid.
6. Mid-20th century — classmates Vincent Marotta and Samuel Glaser, who subsequently offered cooperation to professional engineers, planned to combine Amalia’s invention with a coffee maker.
7. 1972 - the first electric drip coffee maker appeared, Mr. Coffee.

Description of the drip coffee maker

Most devices are similar to each other and differ only in the set of functions, as well as the material used in manufacturing.

Principle of operation

Since its invention, the brewing method has changed slightly, with adjustments for technological progress, modern design, and the presence of additional functions:

1. Water is poured into the tank.
2. From there the liquid enters the boiler.
3. During heating, it rises through the tube.
4. The drops flow into a container with ground coffee and through it enter the lower part of the device.
5. As the water boils, it passes through the filter, leaving grounds behind.
6. The coffee is ready.

In a drip coffee maker, hot water passes through a filter containing ground coffee.

Who is it suitable for?

Latte, espresso, and cappuccino lovers do not need such a device, because... He only cooks Americano. Therefore, fans of this drink purchase such a device, and not an expensive carob or capsule one. Cheap drip coffee makers cost about 2 thousand rubles. and fully satisfy the needs of the buyer.

Advantages

Among the advantages of the coffee maker are:

• low price;
• ease of operation;
• easy care;
• possibility of preparing several servings;
• automatic heating;
• loading ingredients for several brews at once;
• making tea;
• absence of grounds.

Drip coffee maker - description

This type of coffee maker has become widespread due to its unique technology for preparing natural coffee. Prototypes of modern devices appeared in France at the beginning of the 18th century. Then the coffee was poured into a cloth bag, poured with boiling water and infused until a rich color and aroma were obtained. Later in 1800, a French archbishop invented a primitive version of the drip coffee maker. It was based on the principle of filtration, and the water passed through a special porcelain or metal strainer with coffee powder only once. Therefore, the resulting drink was not as bitter and extracted as in the case of a fabric bag, where the water passed through the coffee several times.

Today, the electrical device has changed greatly, although the cooking principle remains the same. The device is small in size. The body is made of durable, lightweight material. It has a water tank and a heating element. On the front side there is a flask, which is placed on a heating stand, as well as a platform for a cup, where the aromatic drink will flow.

The presence of additional options and modes will also not be superfluous.

Principle of operation

The device brews aromatic coffee using the same principles as many years ago. However, the device has been improved, simplifying the cooking procedure. The work has been brought to automation. A person should only pour filter coffee into a cone-shaped reservoir, pour the required amount of water into a special compartment, connect the device to the power supply and wait for the result.

The smart machine will do all the work on its own. The water in the compartment is gradually heated to the desired temperature. As a result of heating, condensate is formed (temperature range 80-90°C), drops of which pass through the coffee powder and enter the glass flask. When all the condensation has gone down, you can pour the aromatic drink into cups.

Important! It is recommended to pour coffee into warm cups, this will make the drink tastier.

Additional functions of drip coffee makers

Many models provide additional modes and functions that will greatly facilitate the already simple cooking process.

Among the most popular, the following stand out:

• Water level indicator
• Heating the flask
• Auto shutdown
• Water filter
• Automatic heating
• Presence of anti-drip shutter
• Built-in coffee grinder
• Setting the strength of the original drink
• Built-in timer
• Device contamination level sensor
• Removable flask
• Overfill protection.

The container for ready-made coffee can be plastic or glass. Although the plastic supplied in the kit is made from food grade plastic, it is still better to give preference to glass.

Having a compartment for storing the cord is not essential, but it is still more convenient when the cord is hidden in a special compartment. This is much safer both for the machine itself and for the person.

Indicators

Built-in indicators are real helpers for those who are just starting to master the technique. Their presence will not be superfluous for experienced users. There are several icons on a special display that perform different functions. Some show how many spoons of coffee are required, others indicate the water level. Advanced samples have a useful “precise dosing” function, with which you can calculate proportions with gram accuracy.

Automatic heating

A necessary option for large capacity coffee makers. The program starts automatically when the drink cools down. The mode works until it is turned off, although some options provide for shutdown after 3-4 hours. The operating principle is as follows: a special heating device is built into the stand, capable of maintaining the temperature of the finished drink within 65°C.

Adjusting the intensity and strength of coffee

Not the most common option. Used mainly in expensive models. The degree of saturation and strength of coffee is regulated by the gram settings.

Settings timer

Quite a useful and necessary feature. Especially for those who are used to drinking fresh natural coffee in the morning without preparing it. To do this, just load all the ingredients into the unit in the evening and select a time interval on the built-in timer. A delicious, hot drink will be ready on time.

Technical characteristics and selection criteria

If you do not pay attention to the additional functions that are equipped with individual coffee makers, most of the components and consumer properties of drip machines are similar.

Material of manufacture

Food grade plastic is used to make the case. Premium segment models have metal trim and glass elements. This design gives a rich appearance, but does not affect the quality of the brewed coffee or improve thermoregulation.

Premium coffee makers have a metal finish.

Dimensions

The dimensions of the device are important when there is not enough space to place it. There are drip coffee makers for sale for any room.

Water container and its volume

There are 3 conditions for this component:

• it should hold as much liquid as required to prepare the maximum portion;
• ease of care;
• Possibility of adding water as needed.

The water container must hold enough liquid.
Water containers are made removable, with a lid and a level scale. The volume of most models is 1-1.5 liters, which is enough for a family of 3-4 people. Larger units are installed in public places or offices.

Features of the flask

Drip coffee makers are equipped with a glass flask with a minimum number of holes, as well as marks that allow you to pour the right amount of water. For convenience, there is a spout and a tight-fitting plastic lid.

The shape of the tank is chosen in the form of a trapezoid, tapering upward. All this helps preserve the aroma and temperature of the drink.

Heater type and power

In coffee makers, heating elements with a power of less than 1 kW are used to boil water. This is enough for a jug with a volume of up to 1.5 liters - a portion for 10 cups will boil in 10-15 minutes. For more expensive models, an element with 2 spirals is used. Increasing or decreasing the speed at which water passes through the powder layer affects not only the speed of preparation, but also the strength of the coffee.

Drip coffee makers use heating elements with a power of less than 1 kW.

Filters

The second most important component of a drip coffee machine after the flask is responsible for retaining small particles and grounds. There are models with disposable and reusable filters. The most common were:

1. Paper, which must be changed after each use. Its advantages are the filtration of powder granules and the reduction of the concentration of harmful compounds, such as cafestol.
2. Metal mesh found on many samples. Gives the drink a specific iron taste. Can be used in conjunction with a paper filter.
3. Nylon, relatively reusable. Designed for 60 servings. Needs constant cleaning and washing.
4. The “golden” filter is a variation of the previous one with titanium nitride coating. It has a longer service life, requires maintenance and is more expensive.

Anti-drip system

It is now quite difficult to purchase a coffee maker without such a function. If the device has a “drop-stop” system, then it has the following advantages:

• no splashing;
• the ability to pour coffee before the entire volume boils.

Coffee makers with an anti-drip system avoid splashing when preparing coffee.
In this case, you can enjoy your drink in just 2 minutes. However, it will be stronger than portions received on time.

Automatic heating plate

It is installed under the receiving section to maintain a constant temperature. The contents will not cool down within 30 minutes.

Automatic shutdown

The volume of water poured into the container boils immediately. The coffee maker then goes into warm mode for the set time. This function allows you not to constantly monitor the operation of the device to avoid boiling over.

The presence of a person is required only when all the liquid needs to be consumed.

Setting the coffee temperature

This mode is needed to reveal the taste qualities of grains of different varieties. For light roasts, a temperature of +93...+95°C is suitable, dark roasts are tastier at +88...+91°C, medium roasting will require a temperature of +91...+93°C. In addition, with low heat the coffee will be sour, and with higher heat it will be bitter.

Adjusting the coffee temperature is necessary to obtain different flavors.

Adjusting the portion of hot water

This function allows you to get the required volume of drink in one cycle, because... Some models heat all the water poured into the tank. If family members wake up at different times or are used to drinking coffee separately, then adjustment allows you to prepare a fresh portion each time.

Automatic decalcification

If water of high hardness is poured into the device, it is impossible to avoid scale formation. Gradually, it clogs the tubes and settles on the heating element, which leads to breakdown of the coffee maker.

To avoid this, you need to place a cleaning agent in the tank or add citric acid and activate the program.

Delay start timer

With its help, the device starts up on time. For some models this period is several hours. This way you can save time in the morning, when you are in a hurry and every minute counts.

The delay start timer starts the coffee maker at a specific time.

Power cord winder

This mechanism allows you to protect the cable from damage during storage in a closet or on a shelf. The wire wound into a special compartment does not interfere with the owners and does not attract pets that can chew it.

Criteria for choosing a coffee maker

Coffee machine manufacturers offer several options for drip coffee makers. The devices are made of glass, ordinary metal or metal with thermal insulation:

1. The coffee pot, made of glass, is convenient to use. You can always control the level of filling it with water. But such a device breaks easily, which can cause some discomfort.
2. Metal coffee pots keep the coffee warm for quite a long time, but they are more difficult to keep track of the amount of drink. However, they cost a little more than glass models.
3. If the model of your coffee maker does not support the function of selecting the strength, and you are a lover of strong coffee, then you should buy a device with a low power.
4. Thanks to a special indicator, you can always make sure whether the coffee maker is working or not.
5. Absolutely all models are equipped with a function to temporarily stop the drink supply. You can take out the coffee pot, pour yourself some coffee and put it back so that the machine continues its work. The function is valid for 2 minutes, provided that you interrupt the operation of the device.
6. For those who are absent-minded and forgetful, there are coffee makers with automatic shut-off. Depending on the model, after a certain amount of time the machine turns off the heating mode and thereby prevents the device from overheating.
7. Design solutions for drip coffee makers are different - you can choose a model to suit your taste in any style, color scheme and design.
8. For Americano lovers, a drip coffee maker is a real salvation. The finished drink just needs to be diluted with milk, and the Americano is ready!

Rating of popular models and manufacturers

Home appliance stores offer many different drip coffee makers, from cheap to expensive.

Economical

One of the budget models is the Polaris PCM 0210 coffee maker, designed for preparing 2 cups of drink.

Polaris PCM 0210 is designed to prepare 2 cups of drink.

Among the advantages are noted:

• price about 1.3 thousand rubles;
• power 0.45 kW;
• backlight of the “Start” button;
• reusable nylon filter;
• anti-slip coating on the bottom;
• a tray into which drops flow;
• water level indicator;
• measuring spoon and 2 ceramic cups included.

The disadvantages of the coffee maker include:

• plastic body;
• short network cable;
• lack of automatic shutdown, delayed start, anti-drip system.

The Moulinex FG 1528 coffee maker is easy to use, stylish in appearance and small in size (15x22x20 cm).

Moulinex FG 1528 is a drip coffee maker for ground coffee.

The positive features of the device were:

• glass flask;
• folding filter holder;
• automatic heating;
• anti-drip system;
• cost about 2.5 thousand rubles;
• power 0.6 kW.

The disadvantages are the lack of a display and self-cleaning functions.

The Philips HD7457/20 coffee maker brews at least 10 cups of drink at once.

Among the positive characteristics are:

• rubberized legs;
• housing made of impact-resistant plastic with metal elements;
• delayed start;
• removable filter holder;
• the presence of a “drop-stop” system;
• heated lower part;
• price on average 2.6 thousand rubles;
• power 1 kW.

Philips HD7457/20 will heat up to 10 cups of drink at a time.

The lack of automatic shutdown and monitor are considered disadvantages of the model.

Middle class

Such drip coffee makers include the Chinese model Melitta Optima Glass Timer with a thermoplastic body and a glass flask with a capacity of 1.1 liters. In stores, the device is offered at a price of 5.5 thousand rubles.

For this amount the buyer receives:

• 4-level water hardness adjustment;
• automatic shutdown;
• decalcification program;
• anti-drip system;
• preheat for 30 minutes;
• LCD screen;
• power and water level indicator;
• convenient container for cable winding;
• disposable filter with the ability to replace it with a stationary one.

Melitta OPTIMA Glass Timer is a drip coffee maker.
Plastic and stainless steel were used to make the body of the Panasonic NC-ZF1HTQ coffee maker. A special feature of the device is its double walls, which create the effect of a thermos and maintain the temperature inside.

The technical specifications are:

• power 0.9 kW;
• stationary filter;
• 0.96 liter glass tank for 8 cups of coffee or tea;
• 3 levels of strength adjustment;
• power indicator and water quantity sensor;
• automatic switching on;
• anti-drip system.

The Panasonic NC-ZF1HTQ coffee maker is made of stainless steel.
For such a device you will have to pay about 6 thousand rubles.

The American KitchenAid 5KCM0402 coffee maker is equipped with a cappuccino maker, a removable mesh filter, and a thermos mug with a capacity of 0.54 liters.

Among the advantages are recognized:

• modern appearance;
• spacious 1 liter tank;
• high boiling speed;
• temperature sensor and water level scale;
• anti-drip system.

The KitchenAid 5KCM0402 coffee maker is equipped with a cappuccino maker.
The disadvantages of the coffee maker are the lack of a display and strength adjustment.

Premium Representatives

The Mystery MCB-5125 coffee maker has a built-in coffee grinder with a capacity of 250 g. The device has a metal body and will prepare 2-10 cups of coffee.

Among the technical characteristics of the device:

• built-in mesh filter;
• LED monitor;
• manual adjustment of grinding degree and drink strength;
• automatic shutdown;
• delayed start for 24 hours;
• auto-heating

The Mystery MCB-5125 coffee maker is equipped with a built-in coffee grinder.
Disadvantages are recognized:

• price about 10 thousand rubles;
• big size;
• noise during cooking;
• inability to adjust portion size.

The SkyCoffee M1505S coffee maker manufactured by Redmond allows you to add powdered or grain coffee. A distinctive feature of the model is the Ready for Sky technology based on Android OS. It allows you to control the device using a smartphone.

Other distinctive features were:

• plastic case with metal parts;
• tempered glass tank;
• flask with a capacity of 0.5 l;
• removable mesh filter;
• LED design of the operating mode;
• rich set, which includes a glass coffee pot, measuring spoon, cleaning brush;
• overheat protection;
• auto shutdown

Redmond SkyCoffee M1505S is a drip coffee maker with remote control function.
Buyers did not like the noise during the preparation of the drink, the lack of a drip tray, and the inflated price (more than 10 thousand rubles).

The Philips HD 7761 coffee maker is made of heat-resistant plastic and comes with a 300 g coffee grinder.

Other advantages of the coffee maker are:

• metal water container with a volume of 1.2 l;
• non-slip rubber feet;
• flask with graduation;
• power 1 kW;
• cable rewinder with a special compartment;
• drink strength control;
• automatic shutdown;
• LCD display;
• heating plate;
• “drop-stop.”

Philips HD 7761 is a small coffee maker with a built-in coffee grinder.
Negative factors are the lack of a delayed start and a short wire. Such a device costs about 16 thousand rubles.

Useful tips for making tea in a drip coffee maker

If the coffee maker will brew tea bags rather than loose leaf tea, then the bags should be folded into a neat pyramid. This is necessary for the uniform passage of water through the tea. To prepare a cold drink, you need to make the brew stronger than usual. Next, pour the tea into a tempered glass vessel, add water and pieces of ice.

If your family members like to brew both tea and coffee in a coffee maker, then it would be ideal to have two coffee makers for these purposes. This way you can avoid the coffee smell in your tea.

Very often girls are interested in whether pregnant women can drink green tea . This drink is very healthy, so even pregnant women should drink it. The main thing is not to overuse tea, because it will not lead to anything good.

When using tea bags when brewing, you need to make sure that the strings from them do not get into the filter. They can be gently pressed with the lid of the coffee maker. Brewing tea in a coffee maker is most suitable for herbal teas as they need to steep longer. After preparing the drink, you should be careful because the brewed tea and the glass coffee pot may have a high temperature.

Instructions for use and preparation of coffee

Before you start working with a drip coffee maker, you need to study the instructions and also take into account several factors:

• pour bottled water into the container;
• Store ground coffee in airtight containers;
• do not use a dirty filter;
• Warm up the unit before brewing.

Espresso

To prepare this drink you will need 9 g of ground coffee and 30 ml of water. The sequence of actions is as follows:

1. Pour the powder into the filter.
2. Pour in liquid.
3. Turn on the coffee maker.
4. Pour the finished product into cups.

Espresso is black coffee prepared in a special coffee maker.

Latte

This drink is prepared from existing espresso, into which milk whipped with a blender (200 ml) is poured. The surface is sprinkled with chopped nuts (3-50 g) and cinnamon.

Viennese cappuccino

You need to heat the milk, then pour in the finished espresso. Add 50 ml of whipped cream on top and decorate with chopped chocolate.

Viennese cappuccino is made from a mixture of cream and milk.

Irish coffee drink

To prepare it you need:

• 60 ml espresso from a coffee maker;
• sugar syrup;
• 30 ml whiskey.

Mix the ingredients and spread whipped cream on top.

Factors affecting the taste of coffee

To prepare a delicious drink in a coffee maker, you need to fulfill several conditions:

• use beans that were roasted no more than 2 months ago;
• do not store the powder in open packaging for more than 7 days;
• remove the granules remaining in the coffee grinder from the last time;
• heat water with a mineralization not exceeding 75-150 mg/l;
• do not use household filters to soften water;
• monitor the quality of grinding;
• Clean equipment regularly.

To make coffee you need to use fresh beans.

How to brew tea in a coffee maker?

In order for tea prepared in a coffee maker to have the same rich taste and aroma as a traditional drink from a teapot, you should follow several rules for properly brewing tea in a coffee maker.

2. The amount of tea required to brew the usual portion of the drink does not change - despite using a coffee maker instead of a kettle. The leaf brew is poured into the coffee filter, the filter is placed in the funnel - and the equipment is started in the usual way. If tea bags are used instead of dry tea leaves, they are placed together in the form of a “pyramid” so that the flow of water passes through them evenly and the tea is fully brewed.

Common faults

Some breakdowns can be repaired independently. In difficult situations, you need to contact a workshop. Typical problems with coffee makers can be seen in the table:

Owner reviews

Irina, 34 years old, Yaroslavl: “I bought a Philips Daily Collection coffee maker to replace the old one. Comfortable, quiet model. The only thing I didn’t like was the lack of an anti-drip system.”

Igor, 42 years old, Samara: “I received a Tefal CM coffee maker as a gift from my colleagues. The drink is obtained without any unnecessary odors or tastes. The only frustrating thing is the lack of operating mode indication.”

Sergey, 30 years old, Kursk: “I purchased a Maxwell MW-1650 coffee maker with a reusable filter and heating. Satisfied with the speed of preparation and quantity - just enough for 4 cups.”

Olga, 38 years old, Murmansk: “My Polaris PCM 0210 drip coffee maker has one drawback - a short wire. You have to connect via an extension cord. Otherwise, there are no complaints - for such a price there is a lot of taste and aroma."