How to use a coffee machine
The world of coffee machines is so huge that it is difficult to immediately determine the brand and model. Even using the recommendations of experienced coffee lovers, it is important not only to choose the right equipment, but also to install it correctly and provide proper care.
- Varieties of coffee machines
- How to use the coffee machine correctly
- How to make coffee in a coffee maker
- What is the difference between a coffee maker and a coffee machine
- How to care for your coffee maker and coffee machine
- Popular models and manufacturers
- Adjusting the coffee process (how to customize the device for yourself)
- Video: how to use a geyser coffee maker
Varieties of coffee machines
There is a fine line between coffee makers and coffee machines. The category of coffee machines can be roughly attributed to anyone that will produce coffee and run on electricity:
- geyser machine;
- electric turk;
- pod coffee maker;
- drip coffee machine;
- capsule coffee maker;
- carob coffee machine;
- automated coffee machines.
How to use the coffee machine correctly
Before setting up, connecting, testing and using the equipment, you must first read the instructions. All tips and tricks are written here, starting from how to turn on the coffee machine. The variety of models assumes individual characteristics for each and a thoughtful approach. But there are general points that apply to all devices:
- Designate a permanent location with easy access in the kitchen or office for the coffee machine. Thus, you do not have to constantly move and rearrange equipment, look for adapters or sockets.
- The new coffee maker is pre-tested. For this, a full cycle is started only with water without coffee powder, so that all factory parts are cleaned.
- Empty the container each time before loading a new cycle. Or right after making coffee. Over time, it will become a habit, and the machine will work like a clock.
- Use filtered or bottled water to prepare the drink. This not only makes the cooking result much tastier, but also prevents the formation of limescale and deposits on the insides of the equipment.
- Check if you need a firm compaction of the ground coffee in the container for your particular model. For example, in an espresso machine, the quality of the ramming affects the taste of the outgoing beverage.
- Experiment with temperature and speed settings. The strength and taste of the finished coffee depend on this.
- If you are away for a long time or close the office for the weekend, disconnect the device from the power supply.
How to make coffee in a coffee maker
It is not difficult to brew coffee if you first get acquainted with the whole variety of devices in the coffee world. How to use a coffee pot and how to make a delicious drink?
Drip
Drip coffee machines can be used in a large family when it is necessary to prepare many portions of a fragrant drink at once. The drip coffee machine works on the principle of passing hot steam through ground coffee beans and special filters. This is ideal for the Americano. The prepared drink falls by drip into a common jug, from which it is then poured into cups.
The device has a heating function, so the container with prepared coffee can stay hot for a long time:
- fill in the required amount of water, according to the scale on a special container;
- pour the required amount of ground coffee into the filter;
- expose the program;
- depending on the model, coffee will be served in a separate flask or directly into the cup.
Capsule
The capsule coffee maker is handy with a selection of ready-made drinks. Here you can brew latte, americano, cappuccino and others. The preparation process begins by placing a portioned capsule with ground coffee. Its packaging is pierced and hot water is passed through the ground grains under high pressure. The strength and taste of the finished drink will directly depend on the selected pressure. Of course, you have limited choices in capsule manufacturers.
But you can choose your brand that fully meets your requirements and taste preferences:
- turn on the machine and fill in the required amount of water;
- place the capsule in a special receptacle;
- substitute the cup and wait for the finished drink to be dispensed from the nozzle.
Geysernaya
The geyser coffee maker was created for lovers of strong and rich coffee taste. The drink does not need to be further strained or defended as this preparation method does not leave sediment in your cup. Hot water is passed through the poured coffee.
The coffee pot is easy to use, easy to disassemble and clean from the grounds:
- pour water into the lower compartment to the desired mark;
- pour ground powder into a special funnel;
- assemble the device according to the instructions and turn it on;
- under the pressure of steam, the coffee drink will flow into the upper container;
- after turning off the device, the drink is poured into the cup.
Rozhkovaya
This coffee maker got its name from the removable arms. These are models for gourmets, lovers of experimenting with drinks and professional baristas. The ground coffee is poured into the horn and compacted as much as possible. Here you can vary the size of the grind, cooking time, water temperature and other factors. Each time you will receive a ready-made drink, different in taste and strength.
You can create rich froth, great espresso and balanced cappuccino:
- if the model is equipped with the function of self-grinding grains, then pour them into a special container;
- place the ground coffee in the horn and tamp it tightly;
- set the required parameters of water temperature, pressure supply and others;
- place a cup under the nozzle spout;
- Whisk the milk, if desired, using the cappuccino maker.
What is the difference between a coffee maker and a coffee machine
Despite the great similarity between each other, the coffee maker and the coffee machine have several significant differences:
- The principle of the coffee maker is to brew ground beans. The device passes hot water under pressure through the coffee powder, and the output is a strong and aromatic drink.
- The coffee machine does not work with water, but with hot steam. The machine passes it under pressure through the ground coffee. Gourmets believe that the finished drink turns out to be more aromatic and rich than from a coffee maker.
- Many models of coffee machines, unlike coffee makers, are equipped with the function of grinding coffee beans. This way the maximum of taste and aroma is preserved in the drink.
- The coffee maker is more limited in the choice of recipes for preparing a coffee drink. While the machine can be programmed.
How to care for your coffee maker and coffee machine
Even a new device requires careful and careful handling. First of all, remove any growths on the insides of the technique.This can be water scale, milk residues and even coffee oil deposits. You can clean the parts yourself or order the service of the device from a specialist.
Use a decalcifier to clean the equipment. It is sold as a tablet or liquid. Pour water with the addition of a decalcifier into the compartment of the coffee machine and plug it in. During operation in idle mode, the device is perfectly cleaned of scale and plaque. At home, if no cleaning tablets are available, you can clean the car with citric acid or vinegar diluted in water.
Popular models and manufacturers
Popular brands are fighting for the right to be the first in the coffee world of specialized machines. Several manufacturers can be noted that successfully occupy the first positions in the sales market for coffee makers and coffee machines:
- The Italian concern DeLonghi is distinguished by its minimalistic design of equipment. And their coffee machines amaze with their rich functionality. For example, the famous ECAM 44.664.B has an automatic cleaning system for the machine.
- The Italian brand Saeco confidently holds the first positions among the manufacturers of quality coffee makers for the home. The Incanto HD8918 / 09 model has 5 beverage strength programs.
- Philips relies on futuristic design and high quality coffee machines.
- Among the domestic brands, the Polaris coffee maker can be noted. Instructions for use, intuitive operation and sophisticated design have made her a top seller.
Adjusting the coffee process (how to customize the device for yourself)
The various operating modes in coffee machines sometimes confuse owners when it comes to settings and buttons:
- The main parameters that you will have to deal with are temperature and time of extraction. The optimal temperature regime is from 86 to 96 degrees. If the coffee is too cold, adjust this parameter on the corresponding display.
- For the desired degree of extraction, you will have to experiment and prepare several options for drinks. Most often, a time of 8 to 20 seconds is used. It is believed that in less time, coffee beans do not have time to transfer their characteristics to the drink. And overexposed coffee tastes bitter.
- Pay attention to the degree of roasting of the beans, if such a function is present in the machine. Pros recommend staying in middle positions without going to the extremes of being too fine or too coarse.
- Correctly selected volume of water also forms the quality of the finished drink. Don't make it unnecessarily watery. For classic espresso, add water in the range of 30-60 ml.
- Do not ignore the instruction manual of the technique. It contains all the nuances and details of setting up the device for the best result.
The world of coffee machines is huge. But the last word always remains with the consumer. Choose your coffee technique wisely to enjoy delicious and aromatic coffee every day.
Video: how to use a geyser coffee maker