A coffee maker is an invaluable assistant in preparing invigorating drinks from coffee beans. She is able to prepare a delicious drink for the whole family in a short time, and there is no need to stand over it waiting and control the process, everything happens by itself.
When thinking about which one to choose, you should approach this responsibly; you need to familiarize yourself with their varieties and the advantages of popular models. Among the varieties of such devices used in everyday life, the carob coffee maker stands out, capable of satisfying even a professional barista.
What is this - a carob coffee maker?
The name was obtained due to a special device in their design - a horn (holder), which ensures instant passage of steam through the coffee grounds. Externally, it differs from other types of coffee machines by the presence of a protruding handle; it can be made of either plastic or metal.
If you choose which coffee maker coffee horn is best, then you should give preference to the stainless steel option. When heated, the plastic analogue can impart a sour taste to the coffee product. There are models that provide for the use of two types of horns at once.
Professional carob coffee machines are used in small coffee shops and offices, in places where you often need to prepare several cups of an aromatic drink at a time.
How to use?
Pay attention to the quality of the water used to brew coffee. To avoid scale formation, use purified water from a filter. Important! Regular tap water can negatively affect both the mechanism of the coffee maker and the taste of the finished drink.
How to use it correctly - step-by-step instructions . To prepare coffee using a coffee maker, follow these steps:
- Prepare ground coffee . Some models of coffee machines have a built-in grinding function, but in most cases, when using a carob coffee maker, you will have to take care of grinding the beans first.
- Pour coffee into the cone . Press it as tightly as possible until it becomes a hard “tablet.” Make sure that dust does not clog into the threads of the device.
- Place the horn in place to form a working chamber.
- Start the machine and wait for the drink to be prepared .
- Some models of carob coffee makers are equipped with a cappuccino maker - a special tube for producing milk froth. Pour the milk into a special container (pitcher), immerse the spout of the cappuccino maker in the liquid and whisk until liquid foam forms .
- For the final stage of preparing cappuccino, pour milk into the finished espresso and carefully add foam on top.
- Coffee in a horn is only suitable for one-time preparation , so after use, the tablet should be thrown away and the holder should be rinsed with water.
Types of coffee makers for home
Espresso coffee makers brew a drink from ground beans under high pressure; a special design allows them to pour coffee raw materials into the coffee maker's horn. There are several types of these household appliances:
- A pump-action coffee maker, which uses a vibration pump, is reliable in operation and economical to maintain. Only the use of such a pump ensures uneven pressure; its rotary type analog rotates the impeller, scooping and supplying water through a hydraulic circuit at a constant speed, due to which the pressure is constant and has a positive effect on the taste of the coffee product. The second version of pumps is more expensive; they are professional. But a coffee machine with a vibration pump is suitable for home use for those who prefer strong expresso.
- Canonical carob coffee makers for home are a compromise option for lovers of Americano; their final product is similar to their geyser counterparts. The drink obtained from them does not differ in strength. The pressure in them can reach up to 9 bar.
- The lever coffee maker belongs to the premium segment and is used by professional baristas. In these home espresso drinks, the pressure is regulated by pressing on a mechanical lever. Thanks to such a special horn for a coffee machine, precise tuning of the process of obtaining an aromatic product is ensured, but it requires the experience and skills of a barista. Lever coffee makers have little automation, which is why they are not in demand.
- Boiler coffee makers are a budget option for a decent coffee machine for the home, which only produces espresso. They operate at low pressure, it can range from 2 to 4 bar, when the water in the metal boiler boils, it enters the coffee maker through the valve.
An important element by which you can determine the best carob-type coffee makers is the heating element. Each type of coffee machine has its own. The quality of the product will depend on it and the pressure of the unit, which is why temperature stability is so important. If the coffee maker does not heat the liquid to the required temperature, then decent coffee will not be produced, despite the experience and professionalism of those using it.
Carob-type coffee makers in the economy segment are equipped with a flow-through thermoblock or a small boiler, but their more expensive analogues already come with a larger boiler or have a heat exchanger built into it.
The pros and cons of each of the heating elements used will help you decide on the choice of coffee maker:
- A large boiler can provide a sufficient amount of water at a certain temperature, and after preparing one cup there will be no additional heating. But it is worth knowing that it will take some time before preparing the first cup, especially if the espresso maker has not been used for a long time.
- The thermoblock cannot provide a constant temperature; changes are possible when using it, but it is capable of supplying hot water instantly without lengthy preheating.
- The low-volume boiler used in home boiler coffee makers is responsible for dispensing a small amount of water, and even a single cup of espresso will require additional heating.
- A heat exchanger is a whole system consisting of tubes through which water circulates; they are compactly located inside the boiler. It takes a long time to heat up, but the output is water at a stable temperature. The initial portion of water is overheated and will need to be drained; this is called “idle spillage”.
Double-lance coffee machines have two boilers, one of which is used for espresso, and the second for steam.
It is not difficult to choose which coffee maker is best for the home, taking into account the characteristics of their types, but for each type there are several models available, but purchasing one of them depends on the desired drink, the design of the device and its versatility.
Types of coffee makers
Buying a coffee maker is complicated by the wide range presented by manufacturers on the market. It is based on different operating principles of the device, human involvement in preparing the drink and caring for the device. How do coffee makers differ from each other?
- Coffee makers can be manual, automatic and semi-automatic.
- The easiest way to prepare a flavorful drink is to use a French press. The operating principle of the coffee maker is simply simple: ground beans are placed in a flask and boiling water is poured into it. After boiling, the coffee grounds are pressed with a special press.
- If you are choosing a machine for a small office, then drip coffee makers are ideal for you. The brewed coffee passes through a special filter and drops drop by drop into the coffee pot.
- The geyser model is perfect for use at home. The coffee maker circuit consists of a water container (lower part), a filter and a container for ready-made coffee (upper part). Cold water is poured into the lower part of the metal device, and ground grains are placed in the upper part. After heating, boiling water rises to the top under steam pressure and brews coffee.
- Devices using capsules are deservedly gaining popularity. Capsule coffee machines use a steam pressure system. They significantly reduce the time for preparing a drink, due to the fact that their work is fully automated. You just need to check the liquid level in the tank, place the capsule in the desired compartment, and press the start button. The device will do the rest. Of all the types of coffee makers, capsule models are the most expensive and require careful handling.
- A separate group of devices consists of espresso coffee makers. Coffee is brewed in them by exposure to hot steam. They are divided into steam, pump, piston and air pump.
In the low price segment of espresso coffee machines, pump devices are the leaders. The principle of their operation is that the liquid is heated in a boiler, the resulting substance under pressure processes the ground grains and thereby carries out the brewing process.
Such devices can be found in modern coffee shops. They are very easy to use. In turn, there are differences between them. This is due to the presence of various additions, for example, such as a cappuccino maker (used for frothing milk for espresso). Using this device, steam is released from the boiler. More advanced models use a thermoblock instead of a boiler. It allows the barista to control the heating temperature. This gives rise to the possibility of increasing the number of servings prepared at one time and reducing the time spent on preparing the drink.
Operating principle of a carob coffee maker
From the above explanations, it became clear what an espresso coffee maker is, but in order to figure out which capsule or carob version is better, it is worth understanding how the latter works.
Typically, in a coffee machine, ground beans are mixed with water; in the case of a carob coffee maker for ground coffee, steam or heated liquid passes through the compressed raw materials and thereby takes away the maximum content of taste and aroma from it. When enriched water is collected in a special chamber, it is already a ready-made drink.
The operating principle of such an installation will depend on the type of installation:
- The pump version heats the liquid to 95 0C, when the pressure reaches 15 bar, the liquid flows into the coffee maker’s horn, which already contains coffee raw materials. The unit is capable of preparing a drink in 1.5 minutes; this type of device preserves the aroma of coffee and all its beneficial properties.
- Steam models of coffee machines for home and cafes differ from previous ones in the way they supply water. In their closed tank, the liquid is heated until steam is formed, and after reaching a pressure of 4 bar, its valve opens and steam passes into the horn. This method makes it possible to obtain a drink with a maximum dose of caffeine, but the aroma will not be as pronounced. The coffee drink produced in such a machine comes without grounds and is created in 2 minutes.
The process of making coffee in the machine itself goes like this:
- the holder (aka horn) is filled with coffee raw materials in a volume of 7 grams per 35 ml and returned to its place;
- the drink to be prepared is selected and confirmed by pressing a button;
- a piston is activated in the body, which builds up pressure, water flows into the lower boiler, and then into the ground coffee poured into the horn, and then into the cup.
The best carob coffee makers for home produce a stable foam on the surface of the coffee, it contains proteins and oils, and gas bubbles give it a unique aroma. The density of the foam determines how long the coffee will stay hot.
At first, the process of preparing your favorite drink using a holder will seem complicated, but when you learn how to use a carob coffee machine, it will immediately become obvious that the drink you get from it is much richer and tastier than its capsule counterpart.
Which coffee maker is better for home use is up to its future owner to decide, but the carob option is a win-win in many respects.
Design and principle of operation of coffee makers
Structurally, a carob coffee machine consists of a set of internal elements assembled in a metal or plastic case, with controls located outside.
- The element where the cooking process takes place is the holder. Before starting the device, it must be removed and filled with ground grains, followed by pressing with tamper.
- The main element of the internal structure is a boiler with a built-in heating element. Here the water is heated to boiling and steam.
- A pump that pumps cold water into the boiler and supplies it under pressure to the dispensing (cooking) group.
- To control the pressure in the boiler and pump, pressure gauges can be mounted on the device body. The first one reports that the machine has reached operating mode. The second reports the pressure in the brew group.
- Dispensing group, boiling water or steam is supplied here, depending on the type of model. Passing through a holder filter with pressed powder, it turns into an invigorating drink.
- The flow of water through the distribution group is started by a special button or spill lever. They are displayed on the front part of the body. With the machine, you just need to press it once and the machine will stop itself after filling the cup.
This is the general design and operation of an espresso machine. It may vary depending on the type and model. But the principle of operation remains the same, coffee is not brewed, but is obtained by passing water or steam through a pressed substance (pod).
Selection options
When thinking about how to choose a carob coffee maker, you should pay attention to its important characteristics and build on them:
- Water volume. In steam installations it reaches only 0.6 liters, which is quite enough for espresso; pump models are more spacious; their tank can contain up to 1.5 liters. It is recommended to choose a carob coffee machine on models with a removable water tank; it is much easier to clean, its walls are transparent, which means it will be easier to monitor the water level. Some models are equipped with a liquid level indicator.
- Power. When choosing a good carob coffee machine with suitable parameters, you immediately look at its power, especially if it is intended for use in a cafe. Economical options come with a power of 800 W, and more expensive models with a pump can produce 1400 W. The cooking time and method depend on this indicator.
- Pressure. Before choosing a coffee maker for your home, it is worth clarifying this characteristic, because most models operate from 5 to 9 bar, and if this figure is lower, then you will not get good espresso. Some manufacturers even indicate 19 bar, but in reality it can only reach 15 bar; for a coffee machine with a pump this is more than enough.
When finding out what types of coffee makers there are, you should pay attention to their functionality; additional options significantly affect the price:
- Overheating protection is a useful feature that can prolong the operation of the device and make it much more convenient.
- Making cappuccino is only possible in a carob coffee maker with a cappuccino maker; this element creates a thick foam when immersed in milk.
- Maintains temperature, allowing the drink to stay hot longer.
- The presence of distemper, which is made in the form of a pestle. Due to it, the coffee is tamped in the coffee maker's horn.
- The presence of an emergency stop button for the process.
The best carob coffee maker should be configured to use coffee in pods (they are pressed washers), after which the device is much easier to clean.
History of origin
The first industrialist who began producing carob coffee machines, Desiderio Pavoni, launched mass production of carob coffee makers in 1905. The first machines prepared very bitter coffee, since the coffee grounds overheated too much, the design was far from perfect. However, it was a commercial success. Therefore, over the next 50 years, on the wave of popularity of the drink and coffee equipment, companies appeared:
- Simonelli (Italy);
- Faema (Italy);
- Gaggia (Italy);
- La Marzocco (Italy) and a number of other companies.
Through experimentation, the first standards for the production of “classic” espresso are formed:
- pressure in the working chamber is about 9 bar;
- water temperature is in the range from 86 to 93 ºС.
These parameters are still used as the basis in professional horn machines.
Homemade horn machines appeared later, in the second half of the 20th century. The development of technology made it possible to replace massive parts with more compact and less reliable ones; electrical elements were widely used: heat exchangers, rotary pumps, and so on. As a result, the cars have become more modern and more compact compared to their ancestors, but their reliability has dropped significantly.
Rating of carob coffee makers for home
Among the proposed options and deciding which coffee machine is better, you should take a closer look at the successful models based on customer reviews.
De'Longhi ECP 33.21
Carob coffee maker with cappuccino maker, capable of preparing delicious espresso and cappuccino. It has a removable water tank with a capacity of 1 liter, as well as a special tray on which you can place cups up to 13 cm high.
Peculiarities:
- possibility of using ground coffee and pods;
- stylish design;
- works quietly;
- convenient control;
- cup heating function;
- removable tray.
There are a few drawbacks such as the inability to use ground coffee and the small size of the reservoir for storing accessories, but the affordable price and quality of the drink compensates for this.
Saeco Poemia HD8425/21
A coffee machine for preparing two cups at once, it is designed to save energy; if the unit is not used for half an hour, it automatically turns off.
Peculiarities:
- compactness;
- the presence of a cappuccino maker made in the form of a panarello nozzle, which allows you to get tasty foam;
- high-speed heating of the boiler;
- warming cups.
One drawback of this single-carb coffee machine is the inability to use tall cups.
Polaris PCM 1516E
The Adobe Crema series coffee machine has electronic-mechanical control, some functions are manual. You can prepare espresso and cappuccino on it even in the dark, as it has a backlight. For her, you only need to choose ground coffee.
Peculiarities:
- the pump is made in Italy;
- the ability to warm cups;
- water container with a capacity of 1.2 liters;
- there is a cappuccino maker;
- A stainless steel tray is provided to collect drops.
When studying which coffee makers are suitable for the home and which for the office, you need to clearly know their functions and study their advantages. Carob coffee machines deserve attention and have long been in demand, but before you buy one model, you should choose the best option taking into account all your wishes.
It is desirable that they be equipped with additional functions, then it will be possible to create, in addition to espresso, also cappuccino quickly and tasty.
Coffee options
This device allows you to prepare not only espresso, but also a large number of other equally popular drinks. If you want to know how to properly brew coffee in a carob coffee maker, then it is important to understand that espresso requires a small volume (no more than 70 ml). Other coffee preparation options are:
- Cappuccino. Larger volume drink (180 ml) with the addition of 1/3 milk whipped with a cappuccino maker;
- Lungo. Espresso diluted with water, served in larger cups (170 ml);
- Italian espresso. Served in ceramic cups with thick walls and bottom, which prevents premature cooling;
- Latte. Coffee is diluted with foamed milk in a 1:2 ratio and served in tall cups with a capacity of 200 ml.
After preparing coffee, you can add cinnamon, cloves or other spices to it, which will help make its taste even more vibrant and unusual.
5 / 5 ( 1 voice )
Nuances when choosing
When choosing a carob coffee maker with a boiler heater and cup heating, you should pay attention to the following features:
- the power of the coffee maker (the speed of preparation and the generated steam pressure depend on it);
- maximum steam pressure (the higher it is, the better and tastier the prepared drink will be);
- it is better to choose a model with active cup heating, which can be turned on if necessary (this will help save on electricity);
- models with metal horns will be preferable , since plastic horns quickly deform when exposed to high temperatures and require frequent replacement;
- models with automatic decalcification will keep the boiler of the device in working condition for a long time, and protect its surface from scale formation.
VITEK VT-1514
VITEK is the only brand of small household appliances included in the Forbes magazine rating of “50 best-selling Russian brands.” The brand’s product range includes more than ten coffee machines. One of the most popular models is VT-1514.
The Vitek VT-1514 coffee horn coffee machine is an inexpensive, functional solution for home and office . Lovers of coffee drinks will appreciate its capabilities. Anyone can enjoy natural coffee at home - the model is simple and easy to use, in just a few minutes an aromatic invigorating drink is ready, be it espresso, cappuccino or latte.
Vitek VT-1514 is made in a stylish modern design. The coffee maker works with ground coffee, holds 1.5 liters of water, and is equipped with a removable aluminum drip tray that makes cleaning and cleaning easy. The device will do all the work on its own - the owner only needs to pour in coffee powder, pour in water and press the start button.
The Vitek VT-1514 coffee maker can pour coffee into two cups at the same time, prepare boiling water and milk froth for other drinks (cocoa or tea), and heat cups to brew coffee according to all the rules.
The automatic decalcification function easily copes with scale and oils from coffee. Country of origin: China.
Functions
Model features:
- preparing ground coffee;
- automatic cappuccino preparation;
- automatic decalcification;
- power-on indication;
- water level indicator;
- adjusting the portion of hot water;
- warming the cup;
- removable tray for collecting drips.
Peculiarities
Some features:
- automatic preparation of cappuccino . Of course, the most popular feature of this model is the automatic cappuccino maker. Reviews say that even milk with 1.5% fat content is whipped into an excellent, high, dense foam.
- adjusting the portion of hot water . This function allows you to specify the quantity of drink to be prepared. Those who like to drink coffee in large portions can set the increased water volume, and those who prefer to savor espresso from miniature coffee cups can set the low volume.
- cup warmer - it serves to preheat the cups before the finished coffee is poured into them; warming the cups is an integral part of making espresso. This ensures the optimal temperature of the drink and improves its taste.
- operation indicator light.
Advantages
Advantages of the model:
- small dimensions;
- automatic cappuccino preparation;
- coffee is prepared in a fully automatic mode, only without grinding;
- function of simultaneous preparation of two cups of coffee;
- automatic decalcification function;
- the horn is made of metal, thanks to it the coffee warms up better, acquiring a richer aroma;
- The container with milk is removed and can be placed in the refrigerator until the next cooking;
- elegant, tinted, removable water tank with a fairly large volume of 1.65 liters.
- simple controls and intuitive interface, you can figure out what and how to cook even without instructions, purely visually;
- automatic cleaning.
Flaws
The model has some disadvantages:
- lack of display;
- lack of an anti-drip system;
- no timer;
- no pressure gauge;
- a number of reviews claim that the device sprays milk when the cappuccino maker is operating.
- tall mugs do not fit, which is not very convenient when making lattes and cappuccinos, which is what this model specializes in;
- a long warm-up time when turned on, about five minutes, may also seem like a disadvantage to some; cleaning is necessary for the cappuccino maker to work without interruptions and the already mentioned splashing of milk.
- The cappuccino maker is noisy;
- short cord.
- sensitivity to coffee grinding, users recommend using ground or medium-ground coffee - when using coarsely ground coffee beans, there is a high risk that the coffee machine will have to self-clean every 2-4 cups.
There are a sufficient number of reviews about machine breakdowns, so it is impossible to speak unequivocally about 100% reliability of this model. Also, some users note an unpleasant, difficult-to-dissipate smell of plastic.
Video review
A brief overview of the coffee maker and its characteristics in the video below:
A video presentation of the coffee maker and its features can be viewed in the video below:
Results
The VITEK VT-1514 coffee machine is practically the only coffee machine in this price segment with an automatic cappuccino maker, which makes it a sales leader.
The machine is compact and easy to operate. The ability to prepare two cups at the same time and make a cappuccino literally by pressing one button, high-quality milk foam, automatic decalcification and cleaning, and all this at a low price make this coffee machine an almost unique and very competitive model in the coffee machine market.
Almost all users note the high quality of the cappuccino maker and the resulting milk foam . And, despite some shortcomings, such as a noisy cappuccino maker and the risk of buying a defective copy, the model remains in demand and has its connoisseurs and admirers among coffee lovers.
Main advantages and disadvantages
The carob coffee machine works as follows:
- the boiler is filled with water; insert a strainer into the holder, add ground coffee using a measuring spoon and lightly compact it;
- the horn is installed in the brewing head;
- after turning on the coffee maker, steam enters the holder, seeps through the coffee tablet, and the finished drink ends up in the cup;
- The used tablet is thrown away, the horn is thoroughly washed so as not to spoil the taste of the next portion of coffee.
In most models, the drink preparation time is determined independently by turning off the device manually. The automatic carob-type coffee machine is equipped with a timer: this function is especially important for professional preparation of a drink, when every second counts.
The advantages and disadvantages of a holder coffee maker are more noticeable if you compare it with drip or capsule coffee machines, which are also very common in everyday life. The advantages of the carob version are:
- It makes coffee more aromatic and tastier;
- no need to constantly purchase filters (disposable paper or reusable nylon);
- the speed of preparing the drink in espresso coffee makers is much higher; It is possible to prepare coffee with foam or cappuccino.
Disadvantages of a horn device compared to a drip device:
- higher price;
- difficulties in preparing coffee tablets;
- more complex disassembly for maintenance (if there is a self-cleaning system, this model costs more).
Advantages of a boiler water heater
In coffee machines with a boiler, the water in the boiler tank is heated to the desired temperature, and only then passes through the ground coffee.
Coffee machines that use a boiler for heating have greater productivity compared to thermoblock types of coffee machines.
A boiler is a small container of a certain volume that is filled with water. This water is heated in full to the required temperature (the thermoblock heats as much water as is needed for a portion of coffee).
Then the required volume is sent to the brewing mechanism, where the water comes into direct contact with the coffee . The efficiency of their work is higher, since such a coffee machine can prepare a larger number of cups of coffee per unit of time with the least amount of electricity.
For this reason, such equipment belongs to the category of professional equipment . It is more appropriate to use it in a bar or cafe.
The cost of coffee machines with a boiler is higher than the cost of coffee machines with a thermoblock, but their service life is longer.
It is easier to maintain a coffee machine with a boiler. The entire complex of such maintenance comes down to washing and ridding the internal cavities of the boiler capsule of harmful salts and limescale. This process is not complicated, since there are special cleaning powders for this.
Benefits of the cup warmer function
Professionals in making coffee - baristas - advise pouring the drink into a heated cup , since in this case it acquires a particularly rich taste. In coffee machines with this function, the platforms on which the cups are placed are equipped with heating elements.
The stand can be either with an independent switch (if necessary, you can turn it on yourself) or with constant heating. In addition, in some models it is possible to regulate the temperature of the site , but such devices will cost more.
In the absence of a platform with thermoelements for heating the cups, there is a specially installed steam tube , and the cup can be warmed by exposing a hot steam jet. This tube is also used to manually froth milk for cappuccino. so, in fact, it performs 2 functions at once, which is very convenient.
Warming trays for heating dishes are not always included with the coffee maker . In some cases, it is supposed to be purchased separately and installed as an additional module.
VITEK VT-1511 | Delonghi ECZ 351 W/GY/BK/BG Scultura | Philips Saeco HD 8325 | La Cimbali M21 Junior S/1 | VITEK VT-1514 | |
Specifications | |||||
Coffee used | ground | ground/pods | ground/pods | ground | ground |
Power | 1050 W | 1150 W | 950 W | 1400 W | 1300 W |
Heater type | boiler | boiler | boiler | boiler | boiler |
Pressure gauge | No | No | No | There is | No |
Maximum pressure | 15 bar | 15 bar | 15 bar | 15 bar | 15 bar |
Volume | 1.5 l | 1.4 l | 1 l | 2.4 l | 1.5 l |
Dimensions (W*H*D) | 24x31x38 cm | 20x30x27 cm | 47x43x32 cm | ||
Coffee grinder capacity | |||||
Removable drip tray | There is | There is | There is | There is | There is |
Removable brewing unit | No | No | No | No | No |
Color | black/metallic | metallic | black/metallic | metallic | black/metallic |
Housing material | plastic | metal | plastic | metal | plastic |
Weight | 4.4 kg | 4 kg | |||
Design features | |||||
Cappuccino maker | There is | There is | There is | There is | There is |
Timer | No | No | No | No | No |
Display | No | No | No | No | No |
Water filter | No | No | No | There is | No |
Measuring spoon | There is | There is | There is | There is | There is |
Water level indicator | There is | There is | No | There is | There is |
Coffee level indicator | No | No | No | No | No |
Waste level indicator | No | No | No | No | No |
Milk container | No | No | No | No | There is |
Automatic decalcification | No | No | No | There is | There is |
Auto shutdown | No | There is | No | No | No |
Anti-drip system | No | No | No | No | No |
Built-in coffee grinder | No | No | No | No | No |
Self-cleaning | No | No | No | No | No |
Cup/reservoir heating | There is | There is | There is | There is | There is |
Cup lighting | No | No | No | No | No |
Milk frothing system | There is | There is | There is | There is | There is |
Preparing two cups at the same time | There is | There is | There is | No | There is |
Hot water supply | There is | There is | There is | There is | There is |
Waste container | No | No | No | No | No |
Settings | |||||
Energy saving mode | No | There is | No | No | No |
Coffee pre-wetting | No | No | No | No | No |
Adjusting water hardness | No | No | No | No | No |
Adjusting the grinding degree | No | No | No | No | No |
Adjusting the portion of hot water | No | No | No | There is | There is |
Adjusting the coffee strength | No | No | No | No | No |
Quick steam | No | No | No | There is | No |
Adjusting the coffee temperature | No | No | No | There is | No |
Other Features | |||||
Additional Information | measuring spoon, tempera | auto shutdown after 20 minutes of inactivity; metal horn | stainless steel pannarello nozzle become | Possibility of connection to water supply; tank volume for filling water 3.5 l, pressure sensor, automatic pumping of water into the boiler, water supply/drain hose 1.3 m; productivity per hour: espresso (50 ml portion) 120, cappuccino (150 ml portion) 60, boiling water (150 ml portion) 90 | automatic cappuccino preparation; power-on indication |
La Cimbali M21 Junior S/1
La Cimbali was founded in 1912 and has quite a wealth of experience in the manufacture of coffee machines. She promotes the culture of espresso coffee and considers her motto to be the spread of stile di vita italiano - the Italian lifestyle.
The company has been known in Russia since approximately 1980. In antique markets you can find working coffee machines from that era.
The company also pays great attention to service. Its service centers are located all over the world (in Russia there is one in Moscow) and provide servicing of equipment in a fairly short time (all spare parts are located directly in the warehouses of service centers and do not require targeted delivery from abroad).
Functions
Coffee maker functions:
- preparation based on ground coffee;
- built-in pressure gauge;
- boiler heater;
- filtration and softening of tap water;
- coffee strength control;
- automatic decalcification;
- manual preparation of cappuccino;
- Possibility of connection to water supply;
- heating cups;
- removable tray for collecting drops;
- water level indicator;
- pressure meter.
The machine has quite high productivity. In an hour, it is capable of making about 120 servings of espresso (50 ml each), 60 servings of cappuccino (150 ml each) and 90 servings of boiling water (150 ml each). Such volumes of productivity allow you to use the device not only at home, but also in a coffee shop or office.
Peculiarities
Despite the fairly high category in which the device is located and its focus on professional use, it does not have many absolutely necessary functions.
The machine is not equipped with coffee pre-wetting and rapid steam options, which have a significant impact on the taste of the resulting drink.
The device is equipped with a pressure sensor . It has a safety control function when preparing a drink under pressure, which is an important factor.
Advantages
The advantages of the coffee maker include:
- durable metal case , resistant to damage (polished stainless steel, on which scratches are not noticeable);
- fairly compact dimensions;
- high performance of the device;
- Possibility of direct connection to water supply;
- presence of a stand for cups;
- ergonomic control system;
- presence of a pressure gauge;
- presence of a pressure sensor;
- automatic water tank filling system;
- medium water tank.
The undoubted advantages include high build quality and durable case material – polished stainless steel.
The automatic water tank filling system minimizes user participation in the machine maintenance process.
Flaws
The disadvantages of the coffee machine include:
- no timer;
- lack of ability to remember and program drinks;
- impossibility of preparing two cups at the same time;
- impossibility of auto-shutdown;
- lack of dosage of coffee drinks;
- lack of a coffee tablet drying system (EDS);
- lack of hot water economizer;
- lack of an anti-drip system;
- no display.
Despite its fairly wide functionality, it is surprising that the machine lacks a function for storing and programming drinks.
This feature can be explained by only one thing - the manufacturer’s focus on the consumer in the form of coffee shops and offices, where such a programming function would be completely unnecessary.
The lack of fast steam and coffee pre-wetting functions can also become an obstacle when purchasing a machine from a large professional coffee shop.
Video review
An example of how this device works is in the video below:
Results
La Cimbali M21 Junior S/1 is an example of a high-class coffee machine (as evidenced by its price). Among the advantages of the device, one cannot fail to note the high build quality and durable materials from which it is made.
The functionality of the machine leaves much to be desired . The device is designed for professional use. Therefore, the presence of a manual cappuccino maker cannot be considered one of its disadvantages - real barristas will consider this an advantage of the machine.
The disadvantages of the device include the lack of memory programs for coffee drinks, functions for pre-wetting coffee and quick steam. In this regard, the machine is more suitable for professional use in small coffee shops or offices.
The high performance of the machine allows you to prepare a large amount of drink in short periods of time, and the stand on the lid for cups indicates that it is aimed at a large audience of users.
The machine has certificates confirming product quality: RosTest, TUV, ISO 9001, Espresso Italiano.