You can prepare coffee using one of several appliances - from an ordinary Turkish coffee machine to a large coffee machine. But not everyone likes the Turk because of the large amount of grounds, and the coffee machine is very bulky and expensive. A drip coffee maker is not much cheaper, and not everyone likes the drink prepared in it. For many coffee lovers, a geyser coffee maker can be an excellent solution, the operating principle of which we will consider in more detail.
What is a geyser coffee maker
A geyser-type coffee maker (moka) is a device that prepares rich coffee using hot steam. It has a relatively compact size and a simple operating principle. It began to be used in the first half of the 19th century. The process of creating the device was quite lengthy. Therefore, its authorship is attributed to different people. Some of them created the original version, others made it more perfect. The author of the idea was Louis-Bernard Babot, the Frenchman Jacques-Augustin Gandet, Samuel Parker from England, and the Italian Alfonso Bialetti worked on the design of the device.
The device got its name because the process of preparing a drink in it resembles the eruption of a geyser.
Geysernya coffee maker consists of 3 parts:
- Water containers located below. It usually has an octagonal shape
- Filter funnels into which ground coffee is poured
- A container in which a ready-to-drink drink is collected.
A rubber gasket is installed in the upper part of the device, at the point of contact between the two tanks. It does not allow the finished drink to leak into the lower part from the upper part. Inside the water container there is a stainless metal tube through which water rises from the bottom to the top during the preparation of a coffee drink.
The lower part of the coffee maker is made of aluminum, stainless steel or ceramic. The last option is the most effective in terms of design, but is also vulnerable to mechanical stress. The reservoir for ready-made coffee, in addition to aluminum and steel, can be made of glass or plastic. This allows you to visually control the process of preparing the drink.
How does a geyser-type coffee maker work?
The operating principle of geyser coffee makers is based on the transformation of water into steam. The water in the lower reservoir heats up and turns into steam, under the influence of which it rises into the container with coffee, simultaneously absorbing its taste and aroma. From a physics point of view, the whole process occurs due to the pressure generated when water is heated. Coffee is prepared according to the principle of a volcanic eruption (hence the name “geyser”). Models made of glass allow you to observe this process with your own eyes.
Kinds
All geyser-type coffee makers can be divided into the following groups according to the heat source:
- Gas . Can be installed not only on a gas stove, but also on any open fire. You can make coffee in it over a fire or stove, which is heated with wood. It does not require connection to an outlet or electrical network.
- Electrical. The devices operate from the network. This allows you to quickly prepare coffee at home or in the office.
- For induction cookers . Coffee makers made of stainless steel or cast iron can be placed on an induction hob. To make sure. To ensure that it is suitable for such a stove, apply a magnet to the bottom. If it does not fall off, you can install it on an induction device.
How to choose the right geyser coffee maker
When choosing a geyser coffee maker, pay attention to the main parameters, then the device will serve for a long time and delight you with an aromatic drink.
- Device volume. For one person, a model designed to prepare a maximum of two servings is suitable. For a family, it is better to buy a coffee maker for 4 – 6 cups. If coffee lovers often come to visit you, or for the office, it is worth purchasing a 1 liter machine (up to 18 cups).
- Type. Depending on technical capabilities and preferences, you can choose a stovetop (for brewing coffee on gas, induction or electric stove) or an electric model.
- Material of manufacture. The body of the coffee maker is made of stainless steel, ceramics or aluminum (the body of electric models is sometimes made of glass). The materials heat up quickly and retain heat. The handles on the devices are made of bakelite or nylon. Touching them does not cause burns.
The main selection criteria demonstrate the variety of machine models and do not affect the quality of the prepared drink.
Additional features are often found only in electric models:
- protection against short circuits and voltage surges;
- timer;
- sound and (or) light indicators;
- automatic shutdown;
- automatic heating of the finished drink.
Some models are equipped with a cappuccino maker - a device for preparing airy foam, as well as several types of filters for preparing coffee of different strengths.
In a geyser coffee maker, the coffee turns out strong and aromatic, and is prepared quickly. The device is mobile and universal. If you study the instructions in detail and properly care for the coffee maker, it will last for many years. Advice from coffee connoisseurs and your own experience will help you prepare an invigorating drink quickly and tasty.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of a geyser coffee maker:
- Simple design that does not require special skills or detailed instructions
- can be left on the stove while cooking, the coffee will not run away, as is the case with cezve
- Easy to prepare: water is poured to a certain volume, the powder is added so that it fills the filter
- The finished drink is not bitter and has a richer taste than the one prepared in a Turk. There's no thickness in it
- Compact size and cooking over an open fire allow you to take the coffee maker with you on a trip or hike.
- The drink does not burn due to the design features of the device
- The temperature of the prepared coffee does not decrease for a long time
- Takes up little space in the kitchen
- The aluminum and steel from which the moka is made are durable, so it will last a long time
- There are different models
- You can buy a device of the required volume, from one cup to 1 liter of drink
- The coffee maker is easy to care for
- Low price. Geyser is the most budget coffee maker.
Advantages and disadvantages of the device
Using the device does not require special knowledge. Having studied the instructions on how to properly use a geyser coffee maker, you can make coffee at home without much hassle and make sure that the device has undeniable advantages:
- there is no need to monitor the cooking process;
- can be used on various types of stoves: gas, electric, induction;
- coffee in a geyser coffee maker is aromatic and strong;
- there are no coffee grounds;
- liquid does not leak onto the stove;
- no need to calculate the exact proportions of water and ground coffee, you just need to fill the containers to the specified level;
- The device can be used for brewing herbal infusions and tea;
- maintaining the temperature of the drink for a long time;
- compactness: the device takes up little space, it is convenient to store and transport.
Electric geyser coffee makers are multifunctional. This simplifies the process of preparing the drink. The device is easy to care for.
The disadvantages of the unit include:
- the need to choose the degree of grinding of the grains;
- lack of a built-in coffee grinder;
- the insulating gasket between the compartments becomes thinner over time, this deteriorates the quality of the coffee;
- To wash the coffee maker, you need to disassemble it;
- metal parts of the device are susceptible to oxidation.
In a geyser coffee maker, coffee is prepared more slowly than in a Turk or a coffee machine; there is no elegant foam on its surface, which coffee lovers appreciate.
How to properly brew coffee in a geyser coffee maker
Before using the coffee maker for the first time, carefully read the instructions. Then unscrew the top of the device and remove the strainer-shaped filter. Purified water is poured into the lower reservoir, from which the drink will be prepared. Its quantity should not exceed the mark placed inside the container.
The upper and lower tanks are screwed to each other. A filter is installed between them, into which ground coffee is poured to the top. Its quantity should not be reduced if you are going to prepare less drink. The coffee is not compacted, only pressed lightly so that the surface is loose. This is necessary to make it easier for hot water to pass through the layer of powder. The edges of the filter are cleaned of powder.
How to use the device?
Before using a geyser, it is important to study the detailed instructions for using the device, which will help you correctly prepare a tasty and aromatic coffee drink.
The process takes no more than five minutes and is carried out in several stages :
- Separate the upper part of the device from the lower one and remove the filter .
- Pour cold water into the lower compartment without exceeding the filling level.
- Pour ground coffee into the filter and clean the edges of the filter from the powder. If desired, you can add spices.
- Carefully connect the upper part of the structure to the lower.
- Place the device on the stove or connect it to the power supply (depending on the purchased model).
- When preparing a drink on the stove, cook the coffee over low heat until water stops flowing into the upper compartment .
- Pour the finished drink into cups. To prepare a new portion, wait for the device to cool completely, rinse it and repeat the procedure.
Important! You should be especially careful with a hot coffee maker, as you may get severe burns.
In order to pour coffee into cups, you need to take the device by the handle - it does not heat up during the coffee preparation process. It is prohibited to touch the metal parts of the device with bare hands.
Additional functions
At the bottom of the geyser-type coffee maker there is a valve that is activated in an emergency. Sometimes water is not able to pass through the powder layer. This can happen if very finely ground coffee is used. In this case, high steam pressure is created in the lower part, which can lead to undesirable consequences and cause burns to the owner. To prevent this from happening, steam is released through an emergency valve.
A geyser coffee maker can be used not only for making coffee. You can brew tea or medicinal herbs in it. They are placed in a strainer instead of coffee powder. The further process is similar to making coffee.
Modern geyser-type coffee makers are equipped with additional functions that make working with the device more comfortable:
- Timer
- Display
- Sound indicator
- The indicator light shows whether the device is connected to the network
- Automatic shutdown
- Protection against voltage surges will extend the life of the device
- The digital timer allows you to set the coffee preparation time. After the process is completed, the device will turn off itself.
- Reheating previously prepared coffee after unplugging
- A strength regulator is rare. It allows you to independently regulate the amount of ground coffee used
- Cappuccino maker for making foam.
Principle of operation
Geyser coffee machines became widespread in Europe, especially in Italy, where they were created. The coffee maker was also in demand in the USSR, which is why it is still called Soviet. Geysers have become so popular because of the amazing taste of the drink and their easy-to-use design. The secret of incredible taste lies in a special operating principle. The drink is prepared using steam pressure. The scheme of action, and the external resemblance to a geyser, determined the name of the device.
The device is divided into two parts: the lower one is filled with water, closed with a metal filter, and coffee is placed in the upper one. After which the geyser coffee maker is placed on the stove (gas, electric or induction). When boiling, steam is formed. The high pressure created at the bottom allows water to rise into the tank with ground beans. In the upper compartment of the coffee pot, the coffee is directly brewed and the finished drink is obtained.
Operating principle of a geyser coffee maker
Different models are designed for a certain number of finished servings.
Unfortunately, you will not be able to prepare one serving of drink in a geyser coffee maker if the device is designed for three. Filling the compartment with less water or ground beans will not allow the device to work properly.
To make coffee tasty and aromatic, use only ground beans for preparation. For a richer taste, compact the coffee at the top without pressing it too hard. You can also add various spices. This is best done before you add coffee to the coffee maker.
Be careful when using! The water level must always be below the emergency valve.
Care
In order for your coffee maker to work as long as possible, you need to properly care for it:
- Before turning on the electrical appliance, check the tightness and correct assembly
- After cooking, the portions are allowed to cool, then unrolled, the used powder is removed, and the containers are washed with warm water.
- Clean the safety valve regularly to prevent the device from exploding if the pressure increases.
- After each preparation, check the condition of the filter and gasket.
- The filter is cleaned with dishwashing detergent or baking soda.
- The device must be cleaned manually only. It cannot be placed in the dishwasher
- After washing, wipe all parts with a clean soft cloth.
- When using a coffee maker on a gas stove, do not turn on the gas at full power.
Caring for a geyser coffee maker does not involve removing oily deposits from the walls of the container; it prevents the formation of an unpleasant aftertaste.
