Choosing the best coffee maker - drip or carob?

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?

Page navigation:

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.

How to choose a carob coffee machine

We have already clarified the differences between the carob type and the drip type. For a person who is going to purchase a horn apparatus for the first time, we bring the following factors into consideration:

1. According to the principle of operation, horn types are divided into two categories. The specificity of the first one is as follows: boiling water under high pressure seeps through the coffee mass. The second category is based on the fact that steam rather than water passes through the coffee mass.
2. The first category system is called a pump system. It costs more than steam, but the taste of the drink coming out of the pump is much brighter. It is important to understand that one cone is only enough for a couple of cups of coffee at a time. If you plan to brew more cups at a time, it is recommended to purchase models with a large number of horns. The highest quality horn is made of metal, and its filter is also metal. These coffee makers make the most delicious tasting coffee.
3. Due to the fact that one cone is not capable of serving more than two cups, the volume of the water container is not the most important factor when choosing a device.
4. For those who prefer cappuccino and lattes, you should pay attention to the presence of an element for frothing milk.
5. Built-in coffee brewing function using a pod.

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.

How to choose a drip coffee machine

The drip coffee maker is considered the most common among users and relatively inexpensive. Here are some recommendations:

1. The power of a coffee machine directly depends on its dimensions. Depending on the power, the drink comes out to varying degrees of strength. The more powerful the machine, the stronger the drink. For lovers of strong coffee, it is recommended to choose a machine with a power above 800 Watt.
2. Each manufacturer has its own type of coffee machine. It is more important to pay attention to the material from which the bowl for the finished drink is made. A bowl made of glass is safe for health. Certain manufacturers equip bowls with a thermos function, which is important for long-term preservation of high temperature and freshness of the drink.
3. It is very important that the water is filtered. If you do not have purchased spring water or a special water purification device, you should choose a coffee machine with a built-in water filter.
4. Most models are equipped with a “drip stop” function. This function is designed to stop or start the coffee maker at any time.

Be sure to read: Coffee printer: how useful is this invention?
Special attention should be paid to filters. Paper filters are disposable and reusing them can be harmful to health. Nylon - can be used several times until they become clogged, after which they must be replaced with new ones. Metal ones are used endlessly, but they allow some of the sediment to pass through.

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.

What to choose

The cost of budget carob and drip coffee makers is approximately the same, so when choosing, rely on functionality.

If you want an inexpensive, simple model that everyone in the family can use, the best option is a drip coffee maker. But it is important to remember that weak black coffee is the only available option for preparing the drink.

For lovers of stronger coffee, with delicious milk foam, there is a steam carob model. With the help of a cappuccino maker it is easy to prepare cappuccino, lattes and other coffee drinks with frothed milk. Plus, you get real pleasure from trying on the role of a barista and mastering the art of coffee at home. The main disadvantages are the difficult care of the device and the long preparation time.

To feel like you’re in a sunny corner of Italy for a few minutes and feel the taste of strong, aromatic coffee, splurge on a carob model with a pressure of 15 bar or more. This coffee maker is designed to prepare espresso with delicate, aromatic foam.

So which coffee maker is best? Carob or drip? Which is better? As you can see, everything is decided by the advantages and disadvantages of each type. The main thing that distinguishes the drip one is that it is easier to handle, but with the carob one you become a real professional.

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.

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 .

Top 4 models

To choose the right carob or drip coffee maker, you should consider popular models. When choosing, their important features, qualities and characteristics will be useful. Let's take five popular devices as an example.

Polaris PCM 1526E Adore Crema

Polaris PCM 1526E is a carob coffee maker for true connoisseurs and coffee gourmets. Designed specifically for those who like to pamper themselves with a cup of coffee in the morning.

The device kit includes:

• filter;
• 1.2 liter water jug;
• removable tray.

Thanks to its compact size (300 x 170 x 290 mm) and design style, the coffee maker fits perfectly into any interior. Polaris equipped this model with a manual cappuccino maker and stencil designs on milk foam.

The main feature of this device is the presence of:

• operation indicators;
• descaling system;
• built-in overheating protection mechanism.

A maximum pressure of 15 bar and a power of 850 W will allow you to create espresso and cappuccino. The cost of the device is 5900 rubles.

Polaris PCM 1526E

Bosch TKA 3A031

Model of a drip coffee maker with a power of 1100 W. Equipped with a 1.25 liter liquid reservoir and a large coffee flask, thanks to which up to 10 cups of an invigorating drink will be prepared per brew.

The uniqueness of the coffee maker lies in the presence of:

• anti-drip system;
• water level indicator;
• device auto-shutdown mechanism;
• cord storage compartment.

Thanks to its modern design, small dimensions (340 x 160 x 240 mm), simplicity and practicality in use, the TKA3A031 coffee maker will fit into the interior of any home kitchen.

The cost of the device is low: on average, in household appliance stores, a coffee maker costs from 2 thousand rubles.

Bosch TKA 3A031

Polaris PCM 0210

A budget option that is designed for two cups of ready-made coffee drink.

This model includes:

• measuring spoon for precise dosage of ground coffee;
• two designer ceramic mugs;
• nylon filter;
• liquid level indicator;
• device operation indicator light.

The Polaris PCM 0210 model is distinguished by the presence of a non-slip stand, a removable tray that is easy to clean, and a container in which a nylon filter is located.

Using this device, it is possible to prepare espresso from dark roasted coffees with thick, creamy foam; a little sugar is added to add a piquant taste.

The price of the model is on average 900-1000 rubles.

Polaris PCM 0210

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.