What is the difference between a coffee maker and a coffee machine?

It’s not for nothing that coffee is considered one of the most popular drinks in the world: it helps to wake up and invigorate, and also has a wonderful aroma and taste.

Immediately after its introduction to Europe in the 15th century, coffee became an important part of breakfasts and other meals. At first it was cooked in a Turk, then more modern machines began to appear.

Today, many people prefer to use special coffee machines: they help save time and offer several drink options.

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What you need to make coffee

You can prepare coffee manually or using different devices, which can be the following:

1. A turk or cezve is a copper ladle with a long handle that is heated over a fire. Allows you to get a strong, rich taste with the addition of spices.
2. A French press is a tall glass kettle with a plunger that helps separate the coffee from the drink.
3. Coffee makers are electrical household appliances that allow you to prepare a drink. During the preparation process, only ground grains or special capsules are used.
4. Coffee machines - their main difference is the ability to grind beans.

Today, the last two options are increasingly being installed in homes and offices - they are more economical, time-saving and convenient.

It is worth noting: a coffee maker and a coffee machine are different devices. In the first, coffee is prepared only from ground beans: they must be poured into the “horn”, pressed, and after the end of the cycle, remove the remains. The coffee machine itself grinds the beans and removes waste: the owner only needs to regularly (every 10-20 cups) add beans and clean the container with grounds.

When purchasing a coffee maker, you may need to additionally purchase a coffee grinder.

Making natural coffee at home

Previously, there was no wide range of devices for making natural coffee. Not so long ago, gourmets prepared it at home using a Turka, a special container for brewing coffee. It is a thick-walled metal ladle, conical in shape and equipped with a long copper handle. This vessel has a rich history , and many people use it to make coffee at home even today. But such a process, unlike automatic machines, is very long and requires certain skills.

To make the process of preparing a flavorful drink at home easier, devices have recently appeared that help automate and speed it up:

Another useful device that coffee gourmets often purchase for their home is a coffee grinder. With its help, you can grind coffee beans at home and then prepare an aromatic drink .

This is interesting! Buy a suitable coffee machine for your coffee shop. Price

Everything is simple with a coffee grinder. But even some gourmets don’t know the difference between a coffee maker and a coffee machine. Let's look at the description and types of each of these devices in detail to understand how they differ from each other.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of the coffee machine include:

• ease of use: if it is completely filled with grains, in the morning you only need to press a button;
• no need to constantly refill coffee and clean the device;
• using beans rather than ground coffee: this allows you to save money and get a fresher grind;
• the ability to set the degree of grinding and strength;
• you can prepare two servings at the same time;
• Models with extended functionality can prepare several drink options.

Please note: the most expensive models of coffee machines (super-automatic machines) can prepare any drink, such as a latte, with the press of a button, but they are usually installed in public places. Household models will need a little help, for example, adding milk.

The disadvantages of the coffee machine include:

• some noise during the grinding process;
• large size compared to a coffee maker due to the presence of a compartment for waste grounds and a device for grinding beans;
• the need to first study the instructions and set the necessary parameters;
• higher price;
• the need to regularly clean the inside of the device: to do this, you need to start the cleaning process and use special cleaning products.

However, since many consumers practically do not notice the difference between a coffee maker and a coffee machine, all models of both groups will be discussed below.

Drip

This is one of the cheapest and most accessible options.
Consists of a container for cold water, a special funnel for coffee and a container for the finished drink. Instead, there may be a special place for a mug. When heated, the water flows into a funnel, from where the coffee flows drop by drop into the dishes. The advantages of these devices include:

• low budget cost;
• ease of use: often such devices have only one button.

Unfortunately, that's where the positives end.

As disadvantages it is worth noting:

• inability to cook something special: drip models are designed only for one cooking option;
• the need to constantly wash funnels;
• Possibility to use only ground coffee.

Please note: Some people report weaker coffee development when brewed in a drip coffee maker, as the beans do not have enough time.

When choosing a model, you should pay attention to:

1. Volume : coffee makers of this type are designed for 0.5-2 liters of water. If only one person needs to make coffee, you should take a compact model.
2. Funnel material : They are made of metal, nylon and paper. The first ones are the most durable, but some owners in reviews note the presence of an unpleasant metallic taste in the drink. The latter are also quite durable, but can break if handled carelessly. Still others are disposable and are the best at clearing grounds from coffee.
3. Power : the higher it is, the faster the coffee will be ready. It is worth noting that even the simplest model will allow you to get a drink in 3-5 minutes, so the difference is unlikely to be very noticeable.
4. Jug for the finished drink : not all models have it, but if the choice falls on a coffee maker with it, it is better to choose a glass container.

What to choose for your home: coffee machines or coffee maker

When purchasing, you should not only understand the difference between a coffee machine and a coffee maker in terms of price and functionality, but also choose the type of equipment that is suitable for specific conditions. It is important to consider a number of parameters.

1. Volume of coffee prepared. The principle “a big family means a big samovar” does not always work. A large office requires a solid coffee machine. But for rare family holidays, there is no point in purchasing a geyser coffee maker for 6-9 servings, since brewing 1-2 cups in the morning in such a device is problematic. For brewing any volume, drip and capsule type models are convenient, in which the capsule is designed for one cup.

2. Price per serving. It consists of the cost of the brewing device and the cost of coffee beans. When using a geyser, drip, French press coffee maker and electric Turk, you should add the cost of a coffee grinder. For capsule-type machines, where the price of coffee per serving is the highest, there is no need to grind the beans. Payments for capsules are spread out over time, but the savings on a coffee grinder are felt immediately.

3. Cooking time. In vending machines and capsule coffee machines, the drink is ready within 30 seconds. In a drip coffee maker, the wait for the first portion is about five minutes, in a geyser – up to ten. But this indicator depends on the power of the heater; the higher the power, the faster the coffee is brewed.

4. Service. The easiest way to maintain a capsule and drip coffee maker is to throw away the used capsule or disposable paper filter with the remaining grounds. Even the cezve needs to be rinsed before preparing a new portion. The geyser-type apparatus is completely washed after each cycle. Coffee machines have a large container for grounds, which allows you to avoid interruptions in servicing the equipment after just a few servings.

5. Variability of recipes . We should not forget that modern coffee machines are designed for drinks of standard recipes. To experiment with coffee and tell fortunes using coffee grounds, you need to have a traditional or electric Turk in your home.

Geyser

The older generation, who saw the Soviet Union in its heyday, will probably remember such models - they are also called mocha coffee makers. Their homeland is Italy.

Inexpensive coffee machines of this type consist of 3 parts:

• cold water is poured into the lower one;
• coffee is poured into the middle one;
• the top will receive the finished product.

The operating principle of this type of coffee maker is quite simple: when heated, water vapor pushes water upward, it passes through the coffee and penetrates into the upper coffee pot.

It is worth noting: it is not water vapor that passes through the ground beans, but water: this method was invented specifically for producing espresso.

When choosing, you need to pay attention to:

1. Volume: it can reach one liter. In this case, it is worth considering the height of the dishes: the larger the volume, the higher it is. But the mini version can be placed anywhere.
2. Material: traditionally geyser devices are made of aluminum, but today there are glass and ceramic ones.
3. Heating: modern models are completely electric - they just need to be plugged in and used. Cheaper ones will require you to put them on the stove.

Carob

Their main difference is the use of water steam to prepare the drink.

It passes under high pressure through a special “horn” with coffee, is saturated with taste and aroma, passes into a special chamber and condenses in it.

In addition to regular espresso, carob models can prepare cappuccino.

It is important to remember: the ground coffee in a carob coffee maker must be pressed down properly, otherwise the drink will turn out watery.

There are two types of coffee makers:

1. Pump: in a special container, water is heated to 95 degrees, after which it passes under a pressure of 15 bar through a layer of coffee. This helps to extract as much flavor and aroma from the grains as possible.
2. Steam: heating occurs up to 100 degrees, after which the resulting steam is passed through the coffee. In this case, the wet steam “kills” some of the taste, but at the same time takes away more caffeine: the result is a less tasty, but more invigorating drink.

Did you know that: the preparation time for a cup of coffee in a pump coffee maker is about 30 seconds, in a steam coffee maker it takes 2 minutes.

Pump models are easy to use, fast, and have the ability to more fully reveal the taste of coffee beans. However, their cost is higher than that of steam ones.

When choosing carob coffee makers, you need to pay attention to:

1. Size of water container and number of coffee horns: one horn has two holes for water flow, that is, you can prepare up to 2 cups of coffee. If you require greater productivity, you should choose models with two horns.
2. Cone material: you should not choose plastic because it is cheap - it greatly distorts the taste and breaks down faster.
3. Availability of a cappuccino maker: models with the ability to make cappuccino are usually more expensive, and therefore it is worth deciding whether this function will be in demand.
4. Additional features: indicator lights, “Stop” button (useful if a failure occurs), cup heating function, etc.

Some models may use pods - special portioned packaging of coffee. The amount of coffee there is exactly enough for one time: just pour the coffee into the cone and turn on the machine. It is worth noting that pod models are usually more expensive than regular ones, and the number of coffee flavors is limited to a couple of dozen.

What types of coffee makers are there?

• Coffee maker in Turkish or popularly “Turk”. Everything is simple here - coffee, water, additives and heating over a fire or in hot sand, the main thing is to remove from the heat in time so that the coffee does not run away. But there are already automated coffee makers that prevent this moment in time.
• Drip coffee maker; This is a not very complicated process where water and steam passes through a filter with ground coffee and slowly flows into a cup. Drip coffee makers are very popular both at home and in the office, and are easy to use as they run on electricity.
• Geyser coffee maker; The operating principle of the coffee maker is already clear from the name. The water that is heated below rises through the filter with coffee, like in a hot geyser, and as a result, the drink appears in the upper container.
• Capsule coffee maker; These coffee makers are already from the latest know-how of coffee maker manufacturers. They came into being when the idea of ​​packaging ground coffee in closed capsules to preserve flavor values ​​was born. As a result, coffee is not poured into the coffee maker, but one portion capsule is simply inserted, which is pierced during brewing, hot water flows through it, and coffee comes out.
• Carob espresso coffee maker; Hot water under pressure passes through a horn with a portion of ground coffee.

A coffee machine is a more complex, electronically controlled device that is many times more expensive than conventional coffee makers. This coffee-making gadget can not only brew, but also grind coffee, and in addition, much more. Most coffee shops and restaurants only use coffee machines.

The process of making coffee in coffee machines can be said to be ideal and fully automated.

What modern coffee machines can do

• Grind coffee beans;
• You can set the size to which you want to grind coffee beans;
• You can set the coffee strength from light to strong;
• Adjust the amount of boiling water (liquid) in the cup;
• There is a device for frothing milk;
• They know how to simply make coffee;
• It is possible to prepare two servings of the drink at once;
• It is possible to prepare different coffee drinks with milk;
• The function is simply boiling water, for example if a client asks for tea;
• It is possible to warm the cups before serving to keep the drink warm longer;
• There is a shutdown timer to save energy;
• Waste enters the appropriate container;

Capsule

As the name suggests, a feature of these types of machines is the use of small capsules. They are placed in a special hole and a button is pressed. Hot water is forced through the capsule under high pressure, resulting in a rich, vibrant flavor.

The advantages of this type of machine include:

• ease of use: no need to add coffee, measure out the required amount - just take a capsule;
• no need to constantly clean the machine after use - just throw away the remaining capsules every few days;
• the ability to get a rich taste thanks to high pressure;
• preparation speed: coffee will be ready in 1-3 minutes;
• small size and cost: compared to many coffee machines, capsule coffee makers are more “modest”.

Today, capsules with a variety of flavors are easily available, which makes these types of machines quite popular.

Please note: the main disadvantage of this model is the capsules: they are quite expensive, and without them the machine will not be able to work.

Comparative characteristics by main parameters

The table shows the main technical parameters of the coffee machine and coffee maker . Compare them to understand which is best for your case.

Technical specifications	Coffee maker	Coffee machine
Brewing principle	Brewing with hot water	Brewing a pure drink without sediment
Control	Requires human intervention at all stages of drink preparation	Requires minimal involvement. The controls are intuitive.
Recipes	Espresso, Americano	Basic classic recipes and the opportunity to experiment with flavors thanks to capsules
Settings	Minimum functionality	It is possible to adjust the degree of grinding, number of servings, water temperature,
Price	Available. Depending on the type – from 1000 and above	High – from 10,000 and above
Taste of the finished drink	Average taste, depends on power	High taste indicators depend on the built-in functionality.

Automatic

These are fully automated options that do not require the owner’s participation: just press a button and wait a few minutes.

The device itself will grind the required amount of beans, pour them into the cone, heat the water and pass it through the coffee.

The only thing the owner needs is to regularly add water, top up the grains and clean it every few months.

When choosing a technique, you should pay attention to:

1. Volume of water container.
2. Dimensions.
3. Noise produced during grinding.
4. Will the model be built-in?
5. Internal mechanism: it can be removable or non-removable. The first can be removed and washed under water yourself, the second will require cleaning using a special program.

It should be noted: cleaning the non-removable parts is more profitable and easier, since it allows you to wash absolutely all the tubes and corners through which the drink passes.