How to make coffee in a geyser coffee maker

Principle of operation

A geyser coffee maker or moka is a device that works on the principle of a geyser: thanks to steam pressure, water passes through ground coffee beans and extracts beneficial substances from them, turning into a noble drink.
The device is compared to an espresso machine: in its portafilter, the liquid also passes through the particles of the beans, enriching itself with taste and aroma. However, if the coffee machine takes control of the drink preparation procedure, then the quality of coffee from a geyser coffee maker depends on the model of the device and the correctly executed recipe.

The geyser coffee maker consists of:

water tank;
filter;
coffee bowls with pipe.

The design has a metal thread connecting the parts of the coffee maker, a lid that reduces the release of steam and heat from the drink container.

Geyser coffee maker device

Modern devices are classic and electric: the former are for the stove, the latter operate from the mains. However, their design remains unchanged.

The device consists of 3 parts:

Lower water tank.
Funnel filter for ground coffee.
Upper storage container for the finished drink.

A safety valve is installed in the upper side of the housing for emergency release of steam at pressure exceeding the norm. The container is filled with water to the level of a special mark, and if it is missing, to the valve.

If the container is filled above the valve in an emergency (the filter is clogged or the coffee is packed too tightly), the coffee maker may explode due to excess pressure.

The filter funnel is placed on the neck of the lower container. At the border of the cone there is a built-in filter-divider plate, which serves as the bottom of the compartment for ground coffee.

The upper storage tank is equipped with a removable filter that prevents grounds from getting inside the container. The filter is fixed with a sealing silicone gasket.

The upper and lower parts are connected to each other using threads. At the same time, their bases are hermetically pressed with a sealing gasket.

Water poured into the lower container, when boiling, releases steam, which, like a geyser, squeezes boiling water through the spout of the filter funnel into the compartment with ground coffee. Saturated with aroma and taste, the drink ends up in the container itself. The coffee pulp is retained by the filter in the upper container. This cycle continues continuously as long as the water level in the lower container is above the spout of the filter funnel. Then only steam will flow into the upper container.

Device selection

The best geyser coffee makers are considered to be Bialetti and GAT moka (PEPITA, FASHION, AROMA VIP) made of aluminum and having a wide hole for the filter and a presentable appearance. The disadvantage of the devices is their high price (the cost of a Bialetti coffee maker is more than 2000 rubles, GAT PEPITA - from 1200 and more).

Cheaper devices can be found from companies:

Irit;
Kelly;
Lara;
Aceline.

When choosing a geyser coffee maker, pay attention to the following parameters:

Material of manufacture: stainless steel bowls give the drink a metallic taste - it is better to take aluminum coffee makers or a combined type (aluminum and glass).
Water tank capacity: Choose a coffee maker based on the size of your cup. Moka is designed for making a single serving of coffee: filling the water cup halfway takes away the flavor of the drink.
Possibility of use on your stove (many geyser coffee makers are not suitable for induction stoves).

I have an Irit coffee maker: it is an inexpensive stainless steel device suitable for induction and gas stoves. I chose a geyser coffee maker based on reviews, and despite the shortcomings, I was pleased with the device.

Characteristics:

Volume - 300 ml (there are also bowls of 200 and 100 ml). Choose the volume that you prefer: I drink coffee in half-liter mugs, and even the largest coffee pot is not enough for me.
There is no overheat protection.
Automatic shutdown and liquid level visibility are absent.
Not suitable for dishwashers.
There is a heat-insulating handle.
The coffee stays hot for a long time due to the lid of the coffee pot and the heated lower compartment.

The advantages of the Irit IRH coffee maker include:

low price (300 ml - 700 rubles);
ease of assembly;
ease of cleansing;
Can be used on any type of hob, including induction.

But there are also quite a few shortcomings in the Irit IRH geyser coffee maker:

the valve becomes clogged and the liquid does not pass through the holes well;
the bottom of the bowl, made of thin stainless steel, bends due to high temperature, which is why it has poor contact with the surface of the stove (coffee takes longer to brew);
When boiling, water begins to flow out of the holes near the threads, despite the fact that I do not exceed the permitted level.

What to look for when purchasing

Before choosing a device, think about how much coffee you will brew in a geyser coffee maker. If a person often invites guests, then it is better for him to buy a model with a large lower reservoir, for example for 2-3 servings.

Also pay attention to the handle of the coffee maker. The most important thing is that it does not heat up quickly and is quite comfortable for you. If it is an electric coffee maker, then it is not necessary to choose a metal or stainless steel handle.

Do not forget also about the material of manufacture. If you do not want to feel the taste of aluminum at the beginning, then purchase a coffee maker made of high-quality metal or stainless steel.

Instructions for making coffee

Making coffee in an Irit geyser coffee maker (or another model) is easy:

Fill the bottom with clean water up to the mark or safety valve (to prevent water from leaking out). You can use already boiled water, but keep in mind that hot liquid can burn the drink, giving it a bitter taste.
Place the filter in the opening of the cup and pour coffee into it. The grind for a geyser coffee maker should be coarser than for a drip coffee maker: fine powder will pass through the filter holes.
Choose how much coffee to pour into the coffee maker filter based on your own preferences. For me, three teaspoons of ground grains (a little more than half the capacity) is enough for 300 ml of liquid to get a strong, thick drink.
Connect the parts of the geyser coffee maker and carefully tighten the threads, close the lid of the bowl.
Set the device on low heat.
Wait for the hissing to appear (coffee preparation begins): when the noise disappears, remove the geyser coffee maker from the stove without allowing the drink to boil.
Pour cold water over the outside of the moka: this will stop the brewing process and prevent the coffee from becoming bitter.
Pour the delicious drink into a preheated cup and enjoy the aroma.

Depending on the type of stove, the average time for preparing coffee in a geyser coffee maker is 6-12 minutes.

How to make espresso (coffee) in a Geyser coffee maker (Moka)?

If you love coffee, then most likely you will like Italian coffee. There are many different types, including espresso and cappuccino, which are popular all over the world. All types of coffee are based on espresso. For example, cappuccino is espresso with steamed milk and milk foam.

Please note that "espresso" is not an Italian term used throughout the world. What we call "espresso" is simply "coffee" in Italy (emphasis on the second syllable). On our page we use the more familiar term "espresso". Just remember that in Italy the correct term is coffee.

If you want to make true espresso, then be prepared to spend several hundred dollars on a high-quality espresso machine that you might see in restaurants or cappuccino bars. These machines use high pressure water (9 bar) to produce espresso. Home machines, even the $100 models found in stores and other places, don't produce enough pressure to create the kind of espresso you might drink at coffee bars. (Cheap models generally produce about 4 bar, while more expensive models can produce a pressure of 15 bar. Although, for espresso, 9 bar is enough).

A very smart alternative for home use is a Geyser coffee maker, called a moka in Italy. A moka is a simple device that uses steam pressure to force water through a filter to brew espresso. It won't be the same as the espresso you might enjoy in bars, but it will taste about the same. So, a Geyser coffee maker is an inexpensive and best alternative for making good coffee. Myself

A moka, or geyser coffee maker, is often mistakenly called an espresso coffee maker. This is incorrect, only espresso machines can make espresso. Another misconception is that water is brought to a boil. The result is a bitter drink. If you follow all the rules and recommendations, you can get a great drink.

Story

Moka was patented by Alfonso Bialetti in 1933 and sold under the name "Moka Express". It became popular only after the Second World War. It had a very recognizable design, which has not changed to this day, and was made of aluminum. (has been a market leader for 50 years, introducing the famous Moka Express coffee maker. Thanks to some technological secrets, this coffee maker is an unrivaled device for obtaining real Italian coffee. The Moka Express Bialetti coffee maker is an original product if it printed image of a man with a mustache. Always ask for such an image.)

From a technical point of view, a geyser coffee maker operates on the same principle as a coffee percolator, which is the predecessor of a siphon and coffee makers where coffee is prepared under pressure. Coffee percolators worked on the principle of pushing water under steam pressure from the lower compartment into the second compartment, where the coffee is located, and then it seeps down into the third compartment, from where it is poured into cups. These units required virtually no human intervention, which was very convenient, considering that they first appeared in 1820.

Moka was different in that the water seeped upward rather than downward. The pressure in the upper part of the lower container with water promotes the movement of water into the compartment with coffee, and then through a special channel into the upper third compartment, where the ready-made coffee arrives. The first inventor of such a mechanism for producing coffee was the Englishman Samuel Parker in 1833. It was Bialetti's Moka Express that made him popular. Over 10 years, more than 20 million geyser coffee makers have been sold.

How to use a geyser coffee maker

If you use this coffee maker correctly, you can get very tasty coffee. However, this method has features that should be taken into account. Geyser coffee makers come in a variety of sizes, from tiny to prohibitively large. You need to be especially careful with large coffee makers. If your heat source is insufficient, the coffee will take longer to brew, which in turn will make it over-extracted. A large coffee maker requires a coarser grind and more time to brew the coffee, otherwise the astringency and expressiveness of the taste will be lost as a result of over-extraction. Some geyser coffee makers have a valve that allows water to flow upward when the desired pressure is reached. It is also recommended to brew coffee at the maximum volume at once. This is due to the fact that a small amount of water will be quickly pushed upward by steam, without having time to heat up to the desired temperature.

Making coffee in a geyser coffee maker is a kind of art; if everything is done correctly, the result will exceed all your expectations. Medium to dark roasted coffee is best suited for mocha; light roasted espresso beans can also be used.

Operating instructions for the Moka Express coffee maker from Bialetti

The Moka Express coffee maker from Bialetti is made of aluminum alloy and can be used on any heat source. There are 8 modifications of the product in different sizes: for 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12 and 18 servings (cups).

Application

Fill the lower part (1) with water up to the safety valve (6), insert the funnel-shaped filter (2) and fill it with ground coffee without compacting it. Make sure that the filter plate and gasket fit into their respective slots, then screw the top part (3) tightly to the bottom part (1). Place the coffee maker on the fire and after about 4 minutes, coffee with a strong aromatic smell will begin to flow out of the column (4). When the coffee fills the upper part of the container (3), remove the coffee maker from the heat.

TIPS FOR CARE OF THE MOKA EXPRESS COFFEE MAKER

Do not use different extracts as they may clog the coffee maker filter. Check the condition of the coffee maker regularly by replacing wear parts (2.5). When the threaded parts (bottom part 1 and container top part 3) wear out, it is recommended to replace the coffee maker. Do not compact the coffee in the filter. Use soap and water to clean the coffee maker; other detergents may damage the aluminum surface. To maintain shine, liquid metal detergents can be used. Thoroughly clean the inside of the post (4) from time to time. Before using the coffee maker, check that the valve and all internal components are included and that they are installed correctly. The coffee maker is guaranteed for two years.

The new valve model will help avoid clogging with calcium from water: just move the piston protruding from the valve along its rod during normal washing of the coffee pot.

Some parts of the Geyser coffee maker are replaceable. After several months of use, you may need to replace the rubber gasket or the entire filter. When emptying the used coffee grounds screen, do not hit it. This may damage the mesh. Instead, rinse it under water.

Making coffee in a Geyser coffee maker

For cooking we need fine grinding.

It is necessary to fill the bottom of the coffee pot up to the mark or to the safety valve. If your moka does not have a valve, you will need to boil the water first.
Prepare ground coffee and place it in the filter. (I usually don't fill the filter all the way because it will be a very strong coffee for me.)
Assemble the entire structure together.
Place the coffee pot on the stove over medium heat. Open the lid and watch the preparation: the water will boil and the upper tank will begin to fill with coffee. You can control the process by lowering the heat, which will allow you to control the extraction process.
As soon as bubbles begin to appear, this will mean that steam has begun to rise to the top, which means you need to remove the coffee from the heat.
Quickly spray the outside of the coffee pot with water to stop the coffee brewing process.
Pour the coffee and let it cool slightly.

Neapolitan method of making coffee in a Geyser coffee maker

Below is the method of Neapolitan coffee preparation. The foam, usually created by machine, is produced by hand in this method. Attention! 50 grams of espresso has about the same amount of caffeine as a 200 gram cup of regular coffee. Don't get into the habit of drinking a 200 gram cup of espresso during the day (but you can drink it if you don't want to sleep during the day).

To make Italian espresso you will need: good quality espresso (popular Italian brands are Illy and Kimbo), sugar, cold water, a Geyser coffee maker, a container for mixing espresso and small cups (preferably ceramic espresso cups).

Step 1 Fill with cold water

Fill the Geyser coffee maker with cold water. There is usually a line marked inside the coffee maker indicating the water level. If not, fill it up to the safety valve located on the side of the tank. Water should not leak through the filter. This may affect the taste.

Step 2 Insert the filter into the water tank

Insert the filter into the water tank. (Alternatively, you can fill the filter with ground coffee first and then insert it. This is a matter of personal preference).

Step 3 Add coffee beans

Fill the filter with ground coffee. Make sure you do not spill the ground coffee onto the outer edge of the container. Everything must be perfectly screwed in, otherwise the water will come out as soon as it starts to boil. Before assembling the coffee maker, simply remove all excess particles. This is one reason why some people fill the filter first and then put it back in place.

Attention: do not compact the coffee! This may create unnecessary pressure. Although this is common for commercial machines, it is dangerous for these types of coffee makers.

This is what the ground coffee filled with the filter should look like. Collect the grounds in the shape of a mountain, as in the picture. This way you will enhance the aroma of the drink. You can assemble it to your liking if that amount of coffee is too strong for you.

Step 4 Assemble the coffee maker

Assemble the coffee maker. Make sure again that there are no grains on the outside. Screw the top to the bottom, using your hand to hold the coffee maker itself, not its handle. Handles can break easily (but are also replaceable).

Step 5 Place the coffee maker on the stove

Place the coffee maker over the stove over low heat. Low heat increases brewing time, which enhances flavor.

Step 6 Prepare sugar

While the espresso is brewing, add the sugar to another mixing container. You can start with a teaspoon per cup and then if you don't like it you can change the proportion to suit your taste. The coffee pot in this picture is a 10 cup pot, so we added a little over ten teaspoons. With some practice, you will be able to simply and easily add the right amount of sugar to the container without measuring it. Remember that espresso is an art, not a science.

Step 7 Pour coffee and mix with sugar

This step is critical and may require some experience to get it right. As soon as the coffee starts pouring out, remove the coffee maker from the stove and pour some of the drink into a mixing container with sugar.

It's better to add less coffee than to add too much, so be conservative. After pouring the coffee and sugar, start mixing them. The end result will be a liquid solution. If it is too thick, continue adding coffee little by little until you get the right consistency.

If you run out of coffee, put it back under the heat until more is available. You should use the first shot from the coffee maker as it is the strongest. Don't try to brew the whole pot of coffee and then add it to the sugar. This won't give you the desired taste.

It's about having the right consistency. If you accidentally add too much liquid, you can then add more sugar (not recommended unless you have a sweet tooth) or simply add the remaining coffee at the end of the brew. It won't have a lot of foam on top, but it will still be drinkable.

By the end of brewing, the coffee comes out mostly as steam. The version of the coffee maker shown here has a wand designed to minimize splashing during the brewing process. The lid can remain open during cooking. Other models may have two holes in the side and will spray coffee all over the kitchen when the lid is lifted.

Step 8 Pour more

When the coffee has finished brewing, pour about half of it into the mixing container.

Step 9 Stir, add the remaining coffee and stir again.

Stir vigorously to aerate the mixture and create a lot of foam. Once thoroughly mixed, add the remaining coffee to the container and stir again.

Final result. The amount of foam produced depends on the technique and the amount of sugar used. With a little practice, you can make perfect coffee every time, just like a Neapolitan.

Step 10 Serve and enjoy

The best part. Pour coffee into small ceramic cups. You can use a spoon to add foam to the cups if needed.

Since the cups are small, the espresso can get cold quickly.
To keep cups warm, place them in hot water immediately before drinking coffee from them. When you pour coffee into hot cups, they will retain heat, allowing you and your friends to enjoy a hot, delicious drink. Social Like

Useful tips

In order for the moka to last a long time and the taste of coffee to please you, you should follow a few simple rules:

Do not clean the inside of the coffee maker with cleaning gels: coffee oil on the walls prevents the appearance of a metallic taste in the drink.
Before using it for the first time, boil water several times in your new coffee maker, or better yet, brew 1 or 2 servings of coffee and then pour them into the sink (this will reduce the metallic taste of the drink).
Do not leave the moka dirty for a long time: the dried grounds will deteriorate the quality of the device, which will make subsequent servings less tasty.
Use filtered or bottled water.
Take high-quality coarse or medium-ground beans (grind them yourself immediately before preparing the drink).
Do not compact the coffee in the filter, otherwise the water and steam will not pass through it. Leave a small space between the powder and the base of the coffee cup.
Add cinnamon, chocolate and other ingredients to the finished drink: they can clog the filter and prevent water from passing through it.
Don't shake the coffee pot while you're doing this, as you may get burned by the fumes.

With the help of a geyser coffee maker, you get delicious aromatic coffee, spending a minimum of effort and money on preparing the drink. The main thing is to follow the cooking recipe and use the device correctly.

Operating principles of the device

If the first geyser coffee makers were made of aluminum, today steel and ceramic models are especially popular. The device owes its name to the method of influencing the main component during its processing. The device, consisting of two containers separated by a filter, is very easy to use. Water is poured into the lower part of the device, and the filter is filled with ground coffee. All that remains is to turn on the device so that it begins to produce steam passing through the coffee filter.

Advice: Considering the fact that modern geyser coffee makers are correctly loaded completely, when purchasing them, special attention should be paid to the production volume of the devices. These devices can prepare from 1 to 18 cups of coffee at a time, and this nuance will allow you to determine the optimal model for your family or office.

As it passes through the ground product, the steam cools and is converted back into water. It passes through a tube into a container located at the top of the device and accumulates there. If this area is made of glass, then it will be possible to observe a process similar to the eruption of a geyser. The result of such actions is a thick and rich drink, the strength of which can be adjusted by changing the degree of grinding of the coffee.

How to properly care for the device

The best coffee for a geyser coffee maker is the one that has been ground into powder immediately before preparation. Also, it is worth preparing the drink in clean containers every time. Even if you make several servings at once, do not be lazy to rinse the machine under running water every time.

You also need to constantly clean the filter into which the coffee is poured. Ground coffee for geyser coffee makers often clogs the strainer, and then water cannot pass through it normally. If you have an electric model, the settings may be lost. Be sure to check them before each use.

From this article you learned about how to brew coffee using gas in a geyser coffee maker, what it consists of and how to care for it. Properly prepared coffee can invigorate you in the morning, improve your well-being and bring joy to your loved ones. You have learned how to brew coffee in a geyser-type coffee maker, now you can make delicious and aromatic coffee every day and enjoy it with friends and relatives.