Despite the fact that coffee machines are already quite accessible (for example, carob machines are inexpensive), a significant number of coffee lovers still brew their drink in a traditional Turk. It's simple and quick, although there is one problem: you need to be careful so that the coffee doesn't “run away.” Don't go wasting time? Then you can try a geyser coffee maker. You will find the rating of the best models a little lower, but for now we will explain why they are better, for example, the same carob or drip machines.
The operating principle of a geyser coffee maker is simple: at the bottom there is a water tank, in the middle there is a container with coffee, and at the top there is a compartment for ready-made coffee. The water heats up, turns into steam, this steam squeezes the liquid through the thickness of the coffee into the upper compartment. As you can see, nothing complicated. Classic geyser coffee makers do not even require electricity: the drink can be prepared, for example, on a gas stove. Moreover, unlike the same Turkish coffee, there will be no sediment in the finished coffee.
Over time, models with electric heating appeared, and many are sure that they are the best geyser coffee makers for the home. With these, you can literally make coffee at the touch of a button. In terms of ease of preparation, geysers are comparable to drip coffee makers, and the resulting drink is more intense. The only difficulty is that after use you need to disassemble and thoroughly wash the entire structure.
Budget or quality?
The aluminum Bialetti Moka Express is an original Italian coffee pot, with which the history of geyser coffee makers began in 1933. Its simplicity and low price have earned it a place in the Guinness Book of Records and in many homes around the world. This is one of the most affordable options. However, if you want to purchase a coffee pot with a more elegant shape or color, then you should take a closer look at other models. In addition, some manufacturers offer premium handcrafted coffee makers. The price of such devices will of course be significantly higher than budget solutions.
How to choose a geyser coffee maker for your home
All geyser models have a similar design and work on the same principle. They consist of two parts, installed vertically and separated by a filter into which coffee powder is placed. During the heating process, water passes from the lower compartment to the upper, passing through a filter with ground coffee beans. Saturated with aroma, color and taste, it is collected in the upper part, from where it is poured into cups, like from an ordinary Turk or teapot.
Before choosing a geyser coffee maker, consider the following parameters:
- The standard bowl volume ranges from 150 to 180 ml. The devices are more spacious and designed for a large family.
- The housing can be made of steel or aluminum. The first option is more durable, the second is lightweight
- The power of electric models is 300-400 W. The higher it is, the faster the drink is prepared.
- Can be used in a dishwasher for cleaning
- Additional options significantly increase the capabilities of the device and allow it to work longer and more efficiently. This includes automatic shutdown, strength control, heating of cups and the drink itself, and a timer.
Material of manufacture
Some people are wary of cooking in aluminum cookware. However, modern health standards only require that you avoid storing prepared foods in aluminum containers. At the same time, manufacturers, as a rule, offer a range of models made from high-quality 18/10 stainless steel. Such coffee makers are easier to clean, but we must not forget that steel conducts heat much better and the dishes will always be scalding hot. In addition, steel geysers are somewhat more expensive. There are also quite exotic options - in them the upper part is made of porcelain or transparent heat-resistant polycarbonate.
How to choose a geyser coffee maker depending on the material?
There are the following types of geyser coffee machines:
- Aluminum;
- Ceramic;
- Made of stainless steel;
- Made from tempered glass.
The entire coffee maker, or its lower part, can be made of aluminum. This type of machine is relatively low cost and quick to prepare. The advantages also include great variety and light weight. This option is the most popular. But there are also disadvantages of aluminum. An aluminum coffee maker does not hold heat well and is susceptible to mechanical damage. If aluminum is rarely used, it also begins to oxidize.
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Where's my foam?
Probably the biggest difference between an espresso machine and an expensive Italian coffee machine is the ability to produce long-lasting milk foam. However, if you cannot live without milk foam, but do not want to spend all your money on buying expensive appliances for your home, then you can consider 2 available options: manual mechanical milk frothers and geyser coffee makers with a built-in cappuccino maker. The Bialetti Tuttocrema milk frother can produce foam even from cold milk and is available in two sizes - 3 and 6 cups. Bialetti MUKKA EXPRESS MACULATA is a unique thing that can prepare a wonderful cappuccino without any extra effort.
Choosing an electric coffee maker (geyser)
An electric coffee machine has a serious advantage - there is no need to monitor the preparation process. You just need to plug it into the network, press a button, and you can go about your business. In this case, the main criterion for choosing a coffee maker is its power. For a portion machine for 1-2 people, it is enough to choose a coffee maker with 400-450 W. If the whole office or family uses a coffee maker, it is better to give preference to a device with a power of 1000 W. Otherwise, you will have to wait a very long time for the preparation of an invigorating drink.
Country of Origin
It is important to understand that Italian brands do not always produce their devices in Italy. For example, the classic Bialetti Moka Express is still made in Italy, but as of this writing, most stainless steel Bialetti models are now made in India and Romania, and some of the GAT models are made in China. If the country of production is important to you, then be sure to clarify this point when choosing and purchasing. Please note that production in other countries is always carried out under the control of brand specialists, and therefore ultimately does not affect the quality of the products.
What to look for when choosing a geyser coffee maker?
In order for the device to last a long time, it is necessary to pay attention to certain criteria when choosing it. So, first of all, the type of device is taken into account. This criterion is exclusively individual. For some, only an electric coffee maker is suitable, while others prefer a gas device.
The following factors are also taken into account:
- Type of drink produced. This criterion is purely an individual choice. Some people like strong espresso or Americano, while others drink a light latte or cappuccino. Depending on this, a geyser device is chosen. The packaging indicates the type of coffee produced.
- Tank volume. In this case, the number of people who will drink coffee is taken into account. If you buy a single-serve coffee maker for three people, it will take a lot of time waiting for an invigorating drink. There are geyser devices for cooking 10 servings at a time. This option is more acceptable for offices and large companies.
- Coffee maker device. Most people prefer to drink coffee in the morning, before work. In order not to take up a lot of time and attention, it is better to purchase an electric machine. She can prepare the drink herself; there is no need to monitor its readiness.
- Price policy. Geyser coffee machines have different prices. Volume, type, material, power, brand are taken into account.
- Power. The speed at which the drink is ready will depend on this criterion. On average, there are machines from 400 W to 1500 W. The maximum power should be for those coffee makers that are designed to brew a large number of cups of brew.
Pros and cons of geyser coffee makers
These devices are not yet so common today. Therefore, before choosing, you need to carefully study their advantages and disadvantages.
Geyser coffee makers have many advantages:
- low price;
- no grounds;
- good strength.
At the same time, there are a number of disadvantages inherent in a geyser:
- The device is designed in such a way that it is impossible to vary the strength and volume of the drink. The machine is designed to hold a certain amount of coffee beans and water;
- The material from which the unit is made is aluminum. This is impractical in the sink and also introduces a metallic odor and taste into finished drinks.
Geysers are also made from stainless steel, but such models will cost much more than aluminum ones. They come in electric, gas and induction surfaces.
Rating of the best simple models
Geyser coffee makers can cook on a stove and using electricity. Let's look at the simple ones first. Their cooking principle is similar to that of the Turks.
MOKA EXPRESS
An all-time classic option is Moka Express from the respected brand Bialetti. This coffee maker can be called one of the best-selling coffee makers in the whole world, and its pleasant price/quality ratio adds even more advantages.
The Moka Express is made from aluminum in an octagonal shape. Suitable for all electric and gas stoves, except induction.
A small, but noticeable and convenient advantage is in color. It is produced in several shades. If you adhere to conservative principles in choosing a coffee maker, then there are silver options, but the brand offers you to choose red, green, and black models - this will allow you to fit into the design concept of your kitchen.
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As for volume, Moka Express is produced from 60 ml to 1 liter. The most purchased volumes are 240 ml (for 6 cups) and 360 ml (for 9 cups). If this is a lot for you, then you can always stop at the volume of 100 ml (2 cups) and 150 ml (2 cups). And if this is not enough, and you drink coffee not only at breakfast, then choose a volume of 480 ml (12 cups) and 720 ml (18 cups), although these are not options for home use.
MUKKA EXPRESS
The Mukka Express coffee maker model is also from Bialetti. It has a recognizable black and white print and a round shape that generally resembles a Holstein cow. No other model of coffee maker from Bialetti can prepare cappuccino with beautiful milk foam - only Mukka Express.
And although the design of this model is no fundamentally different from the others, in the upper part it has a built-in valve that froths milk due to hot steam coming from below during the heating process. If you press the valve while cooking and pour milk into a special container, you will get not traditional coffee, but a luxurious foamed cappuccino. Two in one.
BIALETTI VENUS
Bialetti Venus is a model of the same Bialetti brand. In appearance it retains sparkling, laconic and strict forms, which suits any modernized interior.
During the coffee brewing process, the handle does not heat up and is comfortable to hold. And to pour coffee, just use a small lever, and the lid lifts itself.
This model is distinguished by the possibility of use on induction cookers. The owners of such stoves choose this one out of all geyser coffee makers. And all because the price/quality ratio is right.
BIALETTI KITTY
The Bialetti Kitty model is made of stainless steel, and this metal is more durable and reliable compared to aluminum. The ability to clean the coffee maker in the dishwasher makes it easy to clean - no more worries.
Convenient handle. Firstly, it does not heat up, and secondly, it is located far enough from the body so as not to get burned. By the way, it also has a hinged lid. Bialetti Kitty is suitable for all hobs except induction.
In appearance, the coffee maker is made in exquisite Italian design, but at the same time it is technologically advanced and modern.
BIALETTI BRIKKA
The Bialetti Brikka geyser makes amazing coffee crema. Only coffee machines can do this: they create a pressure of 9 bar. For comparison, in geyser coffee makers the pressure is only 1.5 bar. And Bialetti Brikka has a special valve for this; it creates the necessary pressure to form dense golden foam, which no other geyser model can handle.
Brikka is made from aluminum. Its shape combines faceting and roundness, which makes it a little unusual and stylish.
PEPITA GAT
This Italian model is ideal for a novice coffee lover. The materials and workmanship are decent, and the price is as affordable as possible. And although the brand is not so famous, this is precisely what makes it good - along with recognizable brands, this one looks expensive, cooks excellently, and costs little.
MOROSINA
Italian geyser coffee maker with incredible vintage design in green, yellow, purple and red colors. The quality of freshly prepared coffee is so high that the model is suitable not only for home use, but also for cafes and restaurants. Rare feature.
The body is made of environmentally friendly aluminum alloy EcoCast. It is safe, modern and affects quality. Morosina can cook on any stove, even induction. Her handle doesn't get hot.
Rating of electric geyser coffee makers
If you want an electric geyser, but don't know where to start, pay attention to the De'Longhi brand. He is a leader in such production. But this does not mean that others are worse. Our rating will help you find the most attractive one in all respects.
IBILI
The Spanish manufacturer is famous for its sophisticated models. And it seems that the design is traditional, and the shape is typical - multifaceted, but the color options and small stylistic finds make the electric coffee maker aristocratically sophisticated.
The biggest advantage of the models from the Spanish IBILI is their special protective coating, thanks to which you can wash the geyser in the dishwasher.
BIALETTI DAMA GLAMOR
This is a designer series, it is available in silver, pearl and red colors. It has soft lines and a stylish design. An excellent ladies' helper for breakfast or coffee break at a bachelorette party.
The material is aluminum, and the surface itself is coated with a protective varnish against external aggressive influences. The model has an interesting handle - silicone, non-slip and pleasant to the touch.
The brand positions the model as a gift; in addition, gift packaging has been developed for beautiful sets. Do something nice for yourself or a friend.
BIALETTI MOKA INDUCTION
A model from Bialetti specifically for induction cookers. The bottom uses magnetic steel, which is suitable for induction. And at the top there is aluminum that retains heat. The handle and lid have a silicone coating – it’s pleasant to grip and not hot.
Moka Induction has several colors - white, gold, red, dark gray and silver. For each color, the bottom remains sparkling steel.
Despite the fact that the model is positioned for only one type of stove, it can still be used for gas, electric, glass-ceramic and even halogen stoves.
ROMMELSBACHER EKO 366/E
An unusual cone-shaped shape made of stainless steel, which immediately distinguishes the German model from a number of others. It can be used for both ground and instant coffee.
The electrical cord is conveniently hidden in the compartment, and the rotating base helps you set up the coffee maker in one second.
It has automatic shut-off, protection against overheating and boiling over, and an indicator will help you monitor the water level.
That's all for us. It doesn’t matter whether you have a simple or electric geyser coffee maker. The rating - the best models for the home should tell you which one to choose, regardless of the type and method of preparation. We hope you figured out how to choose the best one, and if not, ask your questions in the comments.
Additional features of a geyser coffee maker
Modern coffee makers have a number of additional functions. Thus, the device may contain the following capabilities:
- Automatic shutdown;
- Heating of the coffee container, which prevents the drink from cooling down;
- Delayed start mode;
- Regulating the strength and saturation of the drink;
- Selecting the volume of the coffee maker to use;
- WiFi connection mode, which allows you to turn on machines from a distance via a smartphone.
Of course, additional functions will increase the cost of the device. In general, the choice is based on the individual preferences and financial capabilities of the buyer.
