The cheerful melody of the coffee maker and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee can “cure” our morning and inspire the most daring actions and decisions. The geyser coffee maker (moka, or makineta, as the Italians affectionately call it) is the most popular coffee pot in the world. This is confirmed by the Guinness Book of Records. The reason is compactness, price and ease of operation and maintenance.
When choosing the perfect device, we often wonder what is the best geyser-type coffee maker? How and what to choose for the house?
How does a geyser coffee maker work?
The geyser coffee maker consists of two parts: the lower tank — for water and the upper tank — for finished coffee. Water is poured into the lower compartment (its level must be below the safety valve located here to release excess pressure), a sieve funnel is inserted and ground coffee is already poured into it.
We twist both parts of the coffee maker, put it on the hob and wait a few minutes until the finished drink begins to flow into the upper part.
At the base of the upper part of the coffee maker there is a metal filter with a gasket, so that the coffee grounds do not get into the finished drink, and the rubber gasket seals the connection of the two parts of the coffee maker and ensures the tightness of the device. Physics is responsible for the work.
Boiling water under steam pressure rises up through the neck of the funnel, passes through the thickness of the coffee, absorbs its taste, and erupts into the upper compartment in the form of a finished drink.
A similar phenomenon is observed during the eruption of volcanic geysers. Hence the name of the device. For the sake of curiosity, open the lid and watch this process. At least it’s beautiful.
Advantages and disadvantages of geyser coffee makers
The advantages of geyser coffee makers are obvious: tasty and rich coffee, minimum involvement, clean stove, no sediment, low price, reliability and durability. The only part that, over time, you may need to change is the rubber O-ring between the top and bottom of the coffee maker. Under the influence of pressure, temperature difference, friction when twisting the metal parts of the coffee maker, it loses its elasticity and elasticity.
Therefore, it ceases to create the necessary pressure to trigger the geyser, and the taste of the drink is lost. If the question of replacing it suddenly arises, do not worry. This is a common inexpensive consumable item that is sold in any coffee shop.
Cons: Not dishwasher safe, that’s about it. Of course, you can try, but manufacturers do not recommend doing this, so everything here is at your own peril and risk. The fact that after washing they lose their shine and become matte is for sure. For lovers of thick foam — its absence will be a «weighty» disadvantage.
Which coffee is right
The most fragrant is freshly ground. Grinding affects the strength of the drink. But, for a geyser coffee maker, there are some nuances. For her, it is better to use a medium grinding the size of a grain of sand. With too fine grinding, the grain overheats and the drink may have a bitter aftertaste, and too coarse grinding will not give the drink the necessary richness and brightness of taste. The exception is large containers for 9, 12, 18 cups.
Due to the longer preparation time, coffee beans have time to give the drink a taste and enrich it with caffeine and valuable oils. When buying store-bought ground coffee, pay attention to coffee marked “for espresso”, “for filter”, and even better if it says on the pack that coffee is intended for geyser coffee makers (moka or moka pot).
Eldohak. Geyser coffee makers are suitable for espresso — a fairly concentrated drink. To prepare less strong coffee or for fewer people, the amount of water and coffee can be reduced, but not more than half. Otherwise, the water may not rise, or it will pass through the coffee too quickly, resulting in a watery, tasteless drink.
Geyser coffee makers — which one to choose
How to choose a geyser coffee maker for home? First you should pay attention to the volume, material of manufacture, compatibility with the type of hob on which you will prepare coffee. Then — on the brand and design.
How to choose the volume of a geyser coffee maker? Modern manufacturers of geyser coffee makers indicate the volume in cups or milliliters. The volume is calculated based on a standard espresso cup of 50 ml. Therefore, a 150 ml geyser coffee maker is 3 50 ml cups of espresso.
When they indicate the volume of the coffee maker in cups, they mean the number of servings of espresso that can be prepared in it. If you have a very trusting relationship with coffee, and you don’t want to share your quiet and unhurried morning with anyone, which rightfully belongs only to you, choose a model for 1-2 cups. For a family, the optimal volume is 150-300 ml (3-6 cups), for an office or gatherings with friends — large coffee makers — for 12-18 cups.
Production material
Traditional materials are aluminum and stainless steel. They are both environmentally friendly, hygienic, good o look, have good thermal conductivity and are easy to clean. It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question which one is better.
For example, aluminum coffee makers are practical, light, inexpensive and often colored. But the material eventually oxidizes, darkens, cools quickly and is more susceptible to mechanical stress and deformation than stainless steel products.
Stainless steel is a strong, reliable, durable material, not subject to cracks and scratches, resistant to falls and impacts, retains its shine and aesthetic appeal for a long time, keeps heat longer compared to aluminum, but is heavier and more expensive. The characteristics of steel do not allow to diversify the models of coffee makers. Although their current design is concise and fits perfectly into the interior of modern kitchens.
There are also coffee makers made of combined materials — glass and metal, ceramics and metal, and electric geyser coffee makers are made of plastic. This does not affect the quality of the drink in any way, rather, the desire of manufacturers to attract the attention of the buyer.
Choosing a coffee maker for a gas, electric or induction stove
How to choose a geyser coffee maker for a gas stove or an electric one? Most models are suitable for gas and electric stoves. All of them are made of high-quality aluminum, and the non-stick coating of more expensive models guarantees easy maintenance of the geyser.
For induction cookers, a coffee maker with a ferromagnetic bottom is suitable. The most popular material with these properties is stainless steel. Aluminum, which is used for most geysers, does not have these properties. But the presence of a special stainless steel disc at the bottom makes them suitable for induction cookers.
A feature of induction geyser coffee makers is an increased (compared to classic models) bottom diameter. It covers the burner as much as possible and heats the dishes. Induction geyser coffee makers are suitable for gas and electric stoves, and the ferromagnetic bottom does not interfere with heating from open heat sources. Therefore, a geyser for induction cookers is universal.
The best geyser coffee makers for the office, home, hotel, dacha, rooms without a stove, as a portable or traveling option are electric.
Electric geyser coffee maker — how to choose and why you need it
Such coffee makers will prepare your favorite drink, anywhere and anytime — there would be an outlet. The difference between such a device is that water is heated using an electric heating element. The main parameters when choosing are volume, power and, if desired, the presence of additional options.
The optimal power for making aromatic and rich coffee is 350-500 watts. The “auto-off” option ensures that the appliance turns off after making coffee, saving it from overheating and you from unnecessary worries. If your coffee ceremony is invaded by a work call or a visit from a plumber, the “keep warm” function will keep the drink hot for half an hour after it has been prepared.
And do not forget about the length of the cord. It should be long enough so that you can place the device in a convenient place for you and do not have to lengthen it.
Is it worth paying extra for a brand?
A geyser coffee maker is a rather simple and, at the same time, ingenious invention. The best geyser coffee makers are traditionally produced by the brands Bialetti, Alessi, Pulcina, CHIC, GAT, Rondell, Winzer, Ariete, Lagostina.
All geyser coffee makers operate on the same principle and differ only in appearance, volume and material of manufacture. The quality of coffee makers from different manufacturers will be somewhat different, but you will not notice a fundamental difference in the taste of the finished drink.
When buying a cheap coffee maker from an unknown manufacturer, you save money, but you risk getting not the best quality. A coffee maker from a well-known manufacturer will cost more, but in return you will get excellent quality and stylish design. The choice is yours.
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