#dripcoffeemachines

Drip coffee machines are traditionally one of the most popular. Today they successfully compete with compression (carob) espresso coffee machines and steam coffee machines. As known, this device was invented by Paris Archbishop Jean-Baptiste de Bellua in 1800. It was consisted of a vessel for hot water, fabric filter and container for coffee. Of course, further their design was continuously improved. Of course, today they have a stylish modern design and are presented in the market in a wide range practically in all price segments.

Operating principle

These models use percolation method for coffee making. Therefore, this coffee maker has the separate containers for cold water and for finished coffee. Initially, the water passes through a special heating circuit in form of thin tube and is transformed into steam. Then, the vapor rises up and condenses. Usually, Temperature of condensate reaches 87-98 degrees. It slowly percolates through a filter with ground coffee, providing extraction of the flavoring and aromatic coffee components. Then, a ready beverage drips into coffee pot on a special heated stand that keeps a high temperature of coffee during from one to three hours. The Drop Stop system blocks a coffee supply when removed coffee pot, reacting to changing the weight on the stand. Usually, this shutter is designed for 5 minutes. Of course, refund of a coffee pot on stand automatically releases the lock. The video at the end perfectly illustrates its operation principle.

Power

Device power is important for models without adjusting the coffee strength. The relatively low power of 750-800 watts ensures the making strong coffee due to slowed-down extraction that is a feature of the filtering method. Accordingly, the beverage longer absorbs the flavor and taste from coffee powder. The container volume for coffee in models with a low power is usually designed for 0.75 liters (5-6 cups). Of course, a larger amount of ground coffee requires more power.

Filtration

Today manufacturers offer three types of filters for the drip coffee machine. Disposable removable filter of paper is mounted in a special holder.

It's easy replaced and provides a more homogeneous beverage. Servis life of reusable nylon filter reaches approximately of 60 cycles. But this filter with a titanium nitride coating (gold filter) has longer servis life.

Unfortunately, it's more expensive.

Features of drip coffee machines

Coffee pots. Coffee pots are made of glass or plastic. There are also coffee pots - thermoses with good thermal insulation.

Today almost every kitchen has a coffee machine. The popularity of this device is consistently high for several decades. As a result, the competition in this segment is very high and companies are constantly improving their models, expanding their functionality. But a wide range of offered models sometimes complicates the choice of the optimal coffee machine that depends on the technical characteristics of the model. Of course, price and functionality of the coffee machine affect also the choice. In addition, different types of coffee machines use different brewing technologies. For example, today the market offers drip coffee machines, compression (carob) espresso coffee machines and steam coffee machines.. Of course, their technical characteristics are different.

Power

The device power affects the pump pressure and, respectively, the coffee strength. Of course, this value is particularly important for models without adjustment of coffee strength. Usually, traditional recipes making coffee require the pressure of 8-9 bar. Power from 750 to 800 W provides it easily. But espresso requires pressure of 15 bar. Therefore, espresso models have a power from 1000 W.

Filtration and capacity

The filters are divided into disposable and reusable. The disposable filters are made of paper, reusable - of nylon. Reusable nylon filters are calculated approximately on 60 cycles of making coffee, whereupon the surface deposit on the filter will start to negatively affect the taste of coffee. Today, nylon filters with a titanium nitride coating have the longest service life. Unfortunately, they are the most expensive.

They provide up to 60 cycles and more. The disposable paper filter is more hygienic, but increases operating costs.

The optimum capacity of the container for water depends on the amount of coffee consumed and averages 0.75-1.5 liters. It directly affects the size and cost of model. Average models are easier to use.

Heater type, performance and type of coffee

Modern models use a boiler or a fuser. The boiler heats the constant water volume. Therefore, fresh water is added to the remaining after previous heating. This sometimes negatively affects the taste of the coffee. The boiler is convenient for simultaneously preparation of several portions. The fuser quickly heats a small amount of the fresh water and sends it through the coffee. But such heating is convenient for only one portion. Of curse, performance affects the number of servings per day. Generally, the household models provide up to 50 cups per day. The performance of commercial models for bars, restaurants and offices depends on volume of containers for coffee and water and reaches up to 1000 cups per day. Each type of coffee machines involves the use of different coffee types, including ground coffee, coffee beans, capsules, ESE pod, etc. Of course, assortment of used coffee directly affects the model usability.

Functionality and dimensions

Functionality coffee machine depends mainly on the additional functions in model. Modern models of the middle and upper price segment sometimes have several dozen additional options. Of course, they significantly affect the price. Size model mainly depends on the containers volume for water and coffee. This parameter in its turn affects the device performance. Today, the market offers full automatic compact models with dimensions of only 9 x 12 x 17 in.

The high popularity of coffee machines stimulates a high level of competition in this segment. Therefore, the companies constantly improve the competitiveness of its models due to innovative technologies. As a consequence, the expansion of functionality has become a major trend in recent years. Today, this criteria significantly affects the choice of coffee machine. Of course, the choice also depends on the technical values of the model and its type. Today the market offers traditional drip coffee machines,espresso coffee machines and Bialetti (Moka) coffee machines, each of which has its own features.

Automatic decalcification

Of course, the intensity of scale formation directly depends on the water hardness. Unfortunately, it reduces the service life and the device performance. Therefore, all manufacturers try to solve this problem in one way or another. Today, automatic decalcification optimally solves this problem. This mode removes the coffee oils and a scale on the walls and on the inner surface of the hoses with the help of the special cleaning tablets.

Moreover, the screen of some models displays a message about the need for cleaning.

Cup warmer and cappuccinatore

Many modern models have this function that provides pre-heating the cups or reheat of finished coffee. According to experts, the use of preheated cups enhances the taste and aroma of coffee. Typically, the cup warmer on the top surface heats cup up to optimal 40 degrees.

The implementation of this function in DeLonghi ECAM 25.462 is shown in the video at the end. Cappuccinatore provides whipping the milk and cream. Today companies offer mechanical and automatic models. Of course, automatic cappuccinatore is much more convenient. Pressurized steam passes through a Panarello Milk Frother and forms the foam into a milk container. Unfortunately, mechanical models are effective only for whole milk or cream. Depending on the model, foam supply to the coffee can be carried out automatically or manually.

Programming

Typically, all expensive models support the user mode, providing setting the coffee strength, its temperature, etc. Moreover, device memory saves these values.

Programmable timer provides coffee making at the set time. But, of course, all ingredients must be pre-loaded into the device. Modern models provide adjustment of the coffee strength by various methods. Of course, it depends on the water temperature, velocity of its passage through the coffee, from ratio between ground coffee and water, etc. Accordingly, companies use a particular technology in their models. For example, E-Plus system adjustments the coffee strength by changing the water pressure. Of course, water amount in cup also directly affects the coffee strength.

Automatic dispenser, water level, built-in coffee grinder and espresso

Some premium models have automatic dosing. Typically, such device displays a list and amount of required ingredients for a selected recipe of coffee. Of course, all this information is displayed on the screen. Water indicator provides control of water level. But some models additionally have a special scale with recommended amount of coffee for beverage preparation with a certain taste. Actually, this is a more simple modification of automatic dosing function. Most modern models have built-in coffee grinder. But more expensive models provide an adjustment of the grinding degree. Moreover, this function also often calculates the required amount of coffee beans for specified number of cups. Of course, freshly ground coffee provides maximum flavor and saturation of the coffee. Espresso mode provides espresso making in an automatic or semi-automatic mode. Auto mode provides automatic calculation of required amount of coffee, water and milk. Semiautomatic mode requires self-calculation for ingredients volume and hand pressing ground coffee.

Water quality, filter condition, pre-wetting, LED screen and automatic shut-off

Filter surface requires regular cleaning. Therefore, the expensive models often have the special indicators of water purity and filter condition. This function is especially useful at intensive operation or use of reusable nylon filters. Pre-wetting option wets the coffee powder before the making coffee. According to experts, this technology improves the taste and aroma of coffee. Many modern models have touch screen that displays the selected program, temperature and technical data, for example, the absence of water, coffee beans, etc.

Of course, integrated touch screen greatly simplifies сare due to the lack of protruding parts. Usually, duration of auto shutdown timer in modern models reaches 3-5 hours.

Rapid steam, two portions, temperature adjustment and Drop Stop

Rapid steam mode provides instantly switch between espresso and cappuccino modes. Such models have enhanced power and performance of the boiler for providing the rapid steam generation. Some devices provide simultaneous preparation of two portions per one cycle. Espresso models often have this function. As known, taste qualities of the coffee greatly depend on the water temperature. Therefore, some coffee fans prefer its manual adjustment. According to experts, optimal temperature for espresso equals 90-95 degrees. Mechanical Drop Stop system blocks the supply coffee without coffee pot. The shutter of operating device is designed on time about 5 minutes. This is enough to pour cooked beverage from coffee pot into cups.

Other options

Some models have a special unit for preparation of hot chocolate. The portion counter. A built-in counter is useful, for example, for self-control of coffee consumption. Additional noise insulation. Some models of top price segment are equipped with additional noise insulation. Additional container for coffee. Of course, separate container for grains and grinded coffee is convenient in some cases. This function is useful, for example, for making coffee from new variety if compartment for coffee is already full. Additional compartment easily solves this problem.