A drip coffee maker is a type of coffee machine that can be used to prepare a drink at home or in the office. But in order for the coffee to taste good and for there to be no problems with the machine, you need to understand how this system works. It is also worth carefully studying the instruction manual and learning how to use a drip coffee maker, since there are simple budget models and more modern equipment with smart functions controlled via an application on a smartphone.
How to use a drip coffee maker
The operating principle of drip coffee makers has not changed since the invention of this method of preparation. However, many manufacturers have modernized the design of coffee machines, adding various useful functions and making it easier to clean the device after use. The classic operating principle of a drip coffee maker:
- The body of the coffee maker has a water tank and a boiler - when the device is turned on, the liquid is heated to a temperature close to +90...+95ºC.
- The heated water rises up the drip tube and drips onto the ground coffee placed in a special filter.
- Seeping through the ground grains, the liquid takes away the taste and aroma, and then flows into a cup or reservoir for the finished drink.
All the grounds remain in the filter, and only the finished coffee goes into the container. Most modern devices have additional heating for the drink container to maintain the temperature for a while. The system is equipped with an automatic shutdown function. Depending on the manufacturer, the device may be equipped with a built-in coffee grinder or other pleasant additions.
Caring for your coffee machine
So, the main choice is over, the coffee maker is at home. Regardless of the type, it requires proper care:
- First of all, read the service manual.
- Rinse and wash the appliance every day to remove any grain residue. Remove the mesh filter and removable parts, rinse with clean water, and dry.
- After each use, immediately dispose of capsules, clean waste containers, etc.
- From time to time, more thorough cleaning is necessary, removing essential oils and waxes contained in coffee beans. For this, there are special products intended exclusively for coffee machines.
- Once a year, it is worth cleaning the device at a professional service center.
- Beware of scale unless you use special coffee machine filters or water softeners.
- A home cleaning method is to brew 4 cups of hot water with 1 tsp. citric acid.
- A solution of vinegar and water (1:1) is also effective for cleaning.
By taking care of your coffee machine, you will extend its service life and ensure the excellent taste of your favorite drink.
Philips
Philips produces different models of drip coffee makers. There are simpler models that can prepare a drink in its classic version from pre-ground coffee. But coffee machines with a tank for beans and the ability to adjust the grind are more popular. The features of this technique are:
- Built-in conical coffee grinder with a choice of 3 grinding levels.
- Possibility to disable the grinding function to use pre-prepared powder.
- Some models have 2 grain tanks with the ability to mix different varieties in any proportions.
- Drip-stop function – the ability to pause the preparation of a drink and pour a cup of coffee separately.
Attention!
The specific functionality and location of the main controls and buttons are described in the manufacturer’s instructions for each individual model of coffee maker.
Conclusions:
- Using a coffee machine is not difficult, but when asking such a question, it is better to clarify the brand and model, or at least the type of device.
- We told you how to use capsule, carob, semi-automatic and drip coffee machines; professional models should be dealt with separately.
- Try to find out at least the brand in as much detail as possible, and then find instructions or videos.
- Experimenting and clicking everything is not a good idea.
- Using the coffee machine for the first time is difficult, because everything needs to be washed and set up, but then the settings will be saved, and you will prepare a drink with just one button.
If you liked the site, share the link with your friends. Thank you!
Add a comment
The world of coffee machines is so huge that it is difficult to immediately decide on a brand and model. Even if you use the recommendations of experienced coffee lovers, it is important not only to choose the right equipment, but also to install it correctly and ensure proper care.
It’s not easy to understand the types of coffee machines.
Content
Collapse
Tefal
Of the most popular drip coffee makers from the Tefal company, there are 2 models - Principio and Express. These coffee machines are equipped with automatic shutdown systems, drink strength adjustment and a water level indicator in the tank. Their operating principle is as follows:
- water boils in the boiler;
- through the tube it falls onto the ground coffee;
- The drink seeps drop by drop through the filter into the container.
When the preparation process is completed, the heating is turned on under the coffee pot with the drink. It runs for approximately 30 minutes. This way the coffee can remain suitable for drinking for a long time. The Tefal coffee machine also comes with a reusable plastic filter that can be cleaned after use. Adjustment of the strength of the drink is ensured by changing the speed of water supply - the slower, the richer and more aromatic the coffee will be.
Geyser models
They are different. There are coffee makers that operate from the mains, and there are those that are placed on an electric or gas stove. Water is supplied upward (based on the geyser principle). The liquid pours into the coffee mass, after which it is poured into another container.
The geyser coffee maker is small. It looks like a porcelain coffee pot, which consists of two parts. The two compartments are connected to each other like a simple hourglass. The center of one of the containers is narrow, it is intended for coffee mass. When water boils below, it begins to rise. Rising through the narrowed channel, the water brews the drink, and it enters the upper part of the coffee maker.
Redmond
The models of coffee machines from this manufacturer are mainly classified as high-end. The device is equipped with an automatic on/off system with a timer. When the drink has finished brewing, the drip coffee maker beeps three times and goes into standby mode. The volume of the water tank is about 1.5 liters, so with a full set of coffee it will not be possible to achieve the optimal strength of coffee - the size of the filter container does not allow it to accommodate the required amount of ground beans.
The Redmond coffee maker is equipped with an anti-drip system - it does not leak from the nozzle after brewing. This will not completely avoid stains on the heating plate, but it will reduce the number of such marks to a minimum. The panel is additionally equipped with a display with a clear image. But the screen is not backlit, so it is inconvenient to use. However, the classic light indication is quite bright.
Features of coffee grinding
To obtain tasty and aromatic espresso, it is not enough to know how to use a carob coffee maker; it is also important to choose the right beans and grind them:
- The beans should be fresh, dry and medium roasted. Wet beans will make the drink tasteless.
- Give preference to a medium grind with a particle size of about 1 mm. Larger particles will add acidity to the espresso. Powder ground into flour is also not suitable.
- To ensure even grinding, use an automatic coffee grinder.
Bosch
The Bosch line of kitchen equipment includes separate models of drip coffee makers. The most common series are CompactClass Extra and ComfortLine. Their main features are:
- mechanical control;
- anti-drip system;
- acceptability of disposable filters;
- Possibility to adjust the strength of the finished coffee.
Additional features include SafeStorage technology for safe storage of the coffee pot, and Aroma+button for increased richness and aroma of the finished drink. There is a measuring scale on the glass coffee container. Depending on the model, the volume of the finished drink can be either up to 1.25 liters or up to 1.4 liters. There are similar markings on the water tank.
Moulinex
A drip-type coffee maker that works with coarsely ground coffee - beans can only be taken if you have a coffee grinder. The drink is brewed according to the classical scheme; hot water is supplied through powder and a filter. The strength of the coffee depends on the number of ground beans in the brew pocket. According to the instructions, to prepare a hot drink you need to do the following:
- pour water into the tank;
- pour the ground grains into the filter;
- turn on the device and wait for the sound signal.
On a note!
Some models under the Moulinex brand are also equipped with a coffee grinder and automatic heating of the container with the finished drink.
Horn machines
They are often called "espresso machines". Its action is based on the use of steam. Water is poured into a container, it boils and steam appears. Pressure is generated in the container, under which the liquid seeps through the compressed coffee mass. The mass is placed in a cone, where it is prepared.
There are two types of horn devices, based on the pressure indicator:
- 2-4 bar - slow cooking, the drink is very strong;
- 5-15 bar - fast brewing, the drink is soft, with a subtle and delicate taste.
When purchasing, choose a model with a metal horn. The coffee will warm up better. There are devices with two horns in which you can prepare two cups at once.
Leben
Leben drip coffee makers – according to their format, they are classified as classic equipment. This manufacturer does not have any special additions to the coffee machine models. The ground coffee filter is reusable and includes a measuring spoon.
The glass container is designed for 1.2 liters of the finished drink. Using the household appliance is not difficult - there is only a power button. The coffee machine operates almost silently and is additionally equipped with an anti-drip system.
Types of filters
The filter is considered an important element of the coffee maker. It determines how fully the beneficial properties of ground coffee will be transferred to hot water.
Reusable
Many coffee makers are initially equipped with reusable filters. The following products are mainly used:
- Metal. Requires cleaning and washing after each use. The drink may contain small particles of grounds and acquire an unpleasant metallic taste.
- Nylon. Can be used 60-80 times. It is also necessary to wash after each use.
- "Golden". In fact, they are nylon with titanium coating, which extends their service life.
Galaxy
Classic type drip coffee machine, without a coffee grinder. This manufacturer has models designed for a full container for the finished drink and equipped with two nozzles for cups. Making coffee is not particularly difficult, since the instruction manual is standard. The proportions for loading ground beans are indicated in the instructions for the Galaxy equipment. It is possible to install disposable filters.
When choosing a drip coffee maker for home use, it is recommended to first look at reviews, reviews and video instructions. Some manufacturers equip the device with additional functions - a coffee grinder, an anti-drip system, or control from a smartphone. The method of preparing drinks in drip coffee makers is classic, but depending on the model and brand, there may be certain differences.
Preliminary preparation
Making coffee, like any drink, usually begins with preparing the right amount of water. Inside the design of the coffee machine there is a heating element, on the surface of which plaque or, in other words, scale may form. Therefore, manufacturers insist on using purified, filtered water. This can be done using a regular household filter, boiling or freezing water.
Remember that untreated tap water is not recommended for brewing coffee.
Next, we will look at how to properly brew coffee in several of the most popular types of coffee machines.
