The operating principle of a geyser coffee maker. How to use the device correctly: step-by-step instructions

Geyser coffee makers appeared in the 19th century and became widely known among Europeans.

Nowadays, you can find this kitchen appliance in almost every Italian family, however, Russian consumers also have the opportunity to enjoy an invigorating drink.

Ease of use and the unique taste of the prepared coffee are far from the only advantages of a geyser machine, which has captivated many connoisseurs of the aromatic drink.

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What is a geyser coffee maker?

A geyser coffee maker is a device designed for preparing rich coffee under the influence of hot steam .

The device is a stable, compact vessel in the shape of an octagon with a small handle, a lid, an emergency valve and in appearance resembles a teapot.

The base of the coffee maker is made of aluminum, steel or ceramic , however, the upper part of the device can be made of plastic or glass.

Geyser-type coffee makers are divided into
gas and electric .
Gas models are convenient to use both at home and on the go, as they can be placed on fire. Electric devices, in turn, are ideal for making coffee at home or in the office, where it is possible to connect the device to an outlet.

Owners of induction cookers can also brew delicious coffee using a geyser coffee maker made of stainless steel.

For your information! A geyser coffee maker is the most popular budget analogue of modern coffee machines.

Where are they made?

The original Bialetti is now produced in both Europe and Asia: there are factories in their native Italy, Romania, Turkey, India and China.

As far as I know, the classic Bialetti Moka Express (from 2150 rubles) is still assembled in Italy, but the painted (colored) “express” ones are already from Romania. The Brikka and Fiammetta series are also assembled there (from RUB 2,000). And the most inexpensive of the original Bialetti Junior (from 1300 rubles) is from China, like Bialetti Venus and Allegra . The Indians got the Kitty (according to promotions it costs 2000 rubles), but Kitty is also made in China. The Turkish factory makes accessories (for example, foam frothers) and some electric models.

By the way, you can buy a geyser coffee maker not in any household appliances store. I hope my selection of current prices (updated automatically 3 times a day) at the end of the article will help you navigate online hypermarkets.

Principle of operation

The basis of the coffee maker is:

• water tank located at the bottom of the device;
• upper section in the form of a small container necessary for storing the finished drink;
• removable filter for adding crushed coffee beans.

a rubber gasket at the top of the device - it is located at the point of contact between the two sections of the coffee maker.
Inside the water reservoir there is a metal tube through which the drink passes during the preparation process .

The safety valve, which serves for emergency steam release , is located in the side wall of the base of the device. The design is complemented by a spout for convenient pouring of freshly brewed coffee into cups and a handle made of heat-resistant material.

The operating principle of a geyser coffee maker is based on the use of steam under pressure . Having filled the lower compartment of the device with water and installed the coffee maker on the stove (or connected to the network), the water begins to heat up and turns into steam during the boiling process.

Under the influence of high temperature and increased pressure, water vapor passing through the funnel with ground coffee rises to the upper part of the device, becoming saturated with aromatic and taste properties. After the coffee solution passes through the hollow tube, the drink is ready to drink .

By the way! The procedure for making coffee in this machine is similar to the eruption of a geyser, which is why the machine is called “geyser”.

How to make coffee

Preparing a fragrant, invigorating drink does not require much effort. The procedure is as follows:

1. Fill the lower container with water based on the mark located on the wall of the tank. Excess or lack of liquid volume will affect the quality of the drink itself.

2. Fill the filter. To do this, it is recommended to use a medium or coarse coffee grind. Any excess that gets on the walls of the filter is removed with a damp cloth or napkin - this will ensure its durability.

3. Connect the top and bottom parts of the coffee maker tightly.

4. Put on fire. Initially, it is recommended to use high heat (until the water boils), then reduce it to a minimum or turn it off altogether. The coffee is ready when air starts to come out of the tube at the top.

Advantages and disadvantages

With the help of a geyser-type coffee maker, anyone can prepare delicious and aromatic coffee at home, because the device is easy to use and does not require special handling skills .
In addition, this coffee maker has many other advantages that encourage buyers to choose it.

main advantages of the device:

• a richer taste of the finished drink, in contrast to coffee prepared in a Turk;
• no need to control the cooking process;
• capacity - some models can hold up to one liter of liquid;
• The device can be used not only for making coffee, but also for brewing tea or medicinal herbs;
• no need to calculate the proportions of ground coffee and water , you just need to fill certain containers to the marked level;
• the ability to brew coffee on both a gas and electric stove;
• absence of coffee grounds in the finished drink;
• the drink does not burn due to the design features of the device;
• maintaining the temperature of brewed coffee;
• compactness – the device does not take up much space, so it is convenient to store and can be taken with you on trips;
• a large number of models differing from each other in their design;
• practicality and durability of the device;
• easy maintenance of the device;
• low cost of the device.

Modern geyser coffee makers are equipped with a timer, display, sound indicator and other additional functions, which simplifies the process of preparing a drink and is a significant advantage of the device.

Among the disadvantages of the coffee maker, users identify:

• lack of delicate creamy foam in freshly brewed coffee;
• the device is designed for a certain volume of liquid ;
• the need to grind coffee beans yourself or choose the degree of grinding, since only coarsely ground coffee is suitable for a geyser device;
• to wash the device, it needs to be disassembled;
• the insulating gasket located between the compartments wears out, as a result of which the quality of the drink decreases;
• metal parts of the coffee maker may oxidize;
• after cooking, the device remains hot for a long time, so there is a risk of getting burned;
• there is no way to adjust the strength;
• the drink is brewed more slowly than in a coffee machine;
• if you leave the structure on fire, the coffee will taste bitter;
• lack of built-in coffee grinder.

Recommendations for use

It is important to follow the operating rules in order to brew wonderful coffee and avoid premature breakdown of the device. Carefully monitor the temperature of your gas or electric stove. As soon as you hear that the drink begins to leak into the upper compartment (this can easily be guessed after a few days of operation), turn off the burner, and in the case of an electric stove, it is better to remove the device from it altogether.

You shouldn’t compact the coffee too hard, even if you want to get a rich drink: just lightly press the mass with a teaspoon. Do not let the operating appliance start to “snort”; this can happen during the final stages of cooking. If you do hear such sounds, immediately pour cold water over the lower part of the body. “Snorting” means that too hot steam begins to participate in the work, this affects the quality and flavor notes of the finished drink.

Kinds

There are three types of geyser coffee makers:

1. Stovetops are a budget option that is preferred by most lovers of aromatic drinks. A geyser coffee maker for a gas stove is simple and easy to use , since to prepare a drink you just need to fill the device with water and ground coffee, then place the device on the stove and remove from the heat after the liquid begins to make a hissing sound.
2. Electrical - like other electrical devices, they operate from the mains. Such coffee makers are equipped with a power switch that allows you to turn the device on or off without disconnecting it from the network, an indicator light, a thermostat and a noise filter. The cost of electric geyser coffee makers is higher than stovetop models , since the device has a large number of additional functions and makes the preparation process quick and easy.
3. For induction hobs - coffee makers made of cast iron or stainless steel. The device is no different from the classic geyser coffee maker for gas stoves and is considered a universal model, capable of preparing coffee both over fire and using induction current. The induction device is practical, safe and has a beautiful appearance .

Important! To determine whether a coffee maker is suitable for use on an induction hob, you should attach a magnet to the bottom of the device - if it holds, you can safely prepare a drink.

Additional functions

When creating new models of geyser-type devices, manufacturers add certain functions to the devices that greatly simplify the process of preparing the drink.
Today, various brands produce advanced devices equipped with functions such as :

1. Timer , counting down the preparation time of the drink.
2. Indicator light – informs the user that the device is on or off.
3. Sound indicator notifying that the drink is ready for consumption.
4. Automatic device shutdown.
5. Overvoltage and short circuit protection.
6. Strength regulator , necessary for independently adjusting the dosage of ground coffee and making espresso.
7. Digital timer – allows you to program how long the coffee will be prepared and then automatically turn off.
8. Heating of brewed coffee – maintains the temperature of the finished drink after disconnecting the device from the network.
9. Cappuccino maker for making creamy foam - this function is available in the BialettiMukka Express model. All other devices do not have a cappuccino maker.

Attention! Often, additional functions are present only in electric devices, because it is impossible to add many functions to devices for making coffee on gas stoves.

Consumer Reviews

Grigory, 19 years old, Novosibirsk: “I couldn’t even think that Turkish coffee makes the taste of coffee too similar, which is why it’s not always possible to distinguish Americano from espresso.

In a geyser coffee maker, the taste becomes much brighter and more intense. I have never regretted the purchase yet. However, it is quite difficult to care for, and it is not easy to use, which is why the first purchase broke within a month.”

Anastasia, 30 years old, St. Petersburg: “I spent a long time choosing the size of the future coffee maker. The choice fell on the big one, and I made the right decision. I like the ability to brew coffee not for the entire volume of the bowls, but for half, without reducing the pressure.

This is rarely found in traditional versions. Italian models are of the highest quality when compared with Romanian and Chinese ones.”

Violetta, 24 years old, Vladivostok: “Over the course of my history, I have had several coffee makers from Bialetti, they often had defects - leaky housings. Liquid was leaking from the place where the safety valve was inserted, making it impossible to prepare a drink.

Otherwise, there were no complaints against them, because... the containers produced a normal drink. I advise everyone, but you need to carefully inspect the bowls.”

Anna, 35 years old, Nizhny Novgorod: “I bought a Gipfel geyser coffee pot as a gift for my husband. I rarely drink coffee, so it’s difficult to compare the pros and cons with others, but from the coffee machine it comes out completely different, more rich. It's a pity that there is no tasty foam, because... cappuccino is the only thing I like.

There were no complaints about the quality of the design, because... The model did not leak or darken inside. I paid special attention to the presence of an anti-corrosion coating, because last time rust appeared in the fittings.”

Andrey, 46 years old, Moscow: “I’ve been meaning to try something new and unusual for a long time. I chose an Italian coffee pot. It makes a good drink.

At the same time, the taste is not inferior to treats from expensive establishments. However, cleaning the containers after each cup is finished is a hassle. This is the only disadvantage of geyser models. It’s better to buy one for the company.”

How to use the device?

Before using a geyser, it is important to study the detailed instructions for using the device, which will help you correctly prepare a tasty and aromatic coffee drink.
The process takes no more than five minutes and is carried out in several stages :

1. Separate the upper part of the device from the lower one and remove the filter .
2. Pour cold water into the lower compartment without exceeding the filling level.
3. Pour ground coffee into the filter and clean the edges of the filter from the powder. If desired, you can add spices.
4. Carefully connect the upper part of the structure to the lower.
5. Place the device on the stove or connect it to the power supply (depending on the purchased model).
6. When preparing a drink on the stove, cook the coffee over low heat until water stops flowing into the upper compartment .
7. Pour the finished drink into cups. To prepare a new portion, wait for the device to cool completely, rinse it and repeat the procedure.

Important! You should be especially careful with a hot coffee maker, as you may get severe burns.

In order to pour coffee into cups, you need to take the device by the handle - it does not heat up during the coffee preparation process. It is prohibited to touch the metal parts of the device with bare hands.

What to look for when choosing

When purchasing, you need to pay attention to several points:

1. Volume (depending on the person’s desires). If the product is purchased for a large family, then it is worth considering models with 4-6 cups, and large coffee makers with 12 servings are suitable for the office. However, the small version is enough for 1 person for 1-2 mugs. At the same time, manufacturers generally mean a 60 ml espresso cup by it.
2. Heating method. There are stovetop and electric coffee makers. If the house has a powerful stove, then the first option is better. However, it is advisable to purchase a second one for work. But before purchasing, you need to read the instructions carefully, because... Sometimes there are universal models suitable for standard and induction cookers.
3. Material. Most often, products are made of steel and aluminum, which are hygienic, durable and easy to clean. Particular attention should be paid to the quality of the fittings.
4. Availability of additional functions. Some models have foam valves, transparent parts in the body, etc.
5. Brand. The cost of the product depends on the company, but popular companies produce the most durable products.

Care

Proper care of your coffee maker can extend its service life and preserve the taste of the drink .
To ensure that the device lasts as long as possible, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

1. Before turning on the device, check the presence of all parts, tightness and correct assembly.
2. After making coffee, allow the device to cool and then rinse it with warm water.
3. Clean the safety valve regularly - if clogged, the device may explode.
4. Clean the filter with baking soda or dishwashing detergent.
5. Check the condition of the filter and gasket after each use.
6. Do not wash device parts in the dishwasher . The coffee maker should only be cleaned manually.
7. After washing, wipe all elements of the device dry with a clean soft cloth.
8. If the coffee maker is intended for making coffee on a gas stove, do not turn on the gas at full power .

Note! The deposits formed on the walls of the device due to the sedimentation of coffee oils do not need to be cleaned off, since it prevents the appearance of an unpleasant aftertaste in the brewed drink.
Simply rinse the container.

What about care, is it very “hemorrhoids”?

Care is simple - wash all components under running water after each preparation. Do not use chemicals or abrasive materials. Regarding the dishwasher, see the instructions for the specific geyser coffee maker, because the materials are different. For example, classic Mocha Express can be washed, but after the dishwasher they lose their shine and become matte.

The latter especially applies to aluminum cases, so as not to tear off the top layer and add a metallic taste to the coffee. In general, you should not try to clean the internal surfaces until they shine; on the contrary, a coating of coffee oil protects the drink from interacting with the body.

It is not necessary to clean a geyser coffee maker until it shines. On the contrary, the coating of coffee oil is even better for coffee

The only caveat is the rubber gasket for the filter; it wears out over time and begins to siphon off steam and may require replacement. A recommendation for extending life is to clean carefully, without exerting force or using chemicals. As a last resort, in a couple of years, buy a repair kit for a couple of hundred (for example, here), consisting of a new strainer filter and rubber seals. And your Bialetti will be like new.

That is, in fact, maintenance is extremely simple, this is one of the strengths of the geyser.

Useful video

From this video you will learn more about the operating principle of a geyser coffee maker:

A geyser coffee maker is a real find for lovers of freshly brewed strong black coffee. The main criterion for choosing such a device is its volume, so before purchasing a coffee maker, it is advisable to decide in advance how much ready-made coffee you need to get .

The material from which the product is made also plays an important role. Experts recommend using devices made of aluminum alloy or stainless steel - they are reliable, absolutely safe and, with proper care, will last more than 10 years.