Geyser coffee maker: How it works and how to use a geyser-type coffee maker

You can prepare coffee using one of several appliances - from an ordinary Turkish coffee machine to a large coffee machine. But not everyone likes the Turk because of the large amount of grounds, and the coffee machine is very bulky and expensive. A drip coffee maker is not much cheaper, and not everyone likes the drink prepared in it. For many coffee lovers, a geyser coffee maker can be an excellent solution, the operating principle of which we will consider in more detail.

What is a geyser coffee maker

A geyser-type coffee maker (moka) is a device that prepares rich coffee using hot steam. It has a relatively compact size and a simple operating principle. It began to be used in the first half of the 19th century. The process of creating the device was quite lengthy. Therefore, its authorship is attributed to different people. Some of them created the original version, others made it more perfect. The author of the idea was Louis-Bernard Babot, the Frenchman Jacques-Augustin Gandet, Samuel Parker from England, and the Italian Alfonso Bialetti worked on the design of the device.

The device got its name because the process of preparing a drink in it resembles the eruption of a geyser.

Geysernya coffee maker consists of 3 parts:

• Water containers located below. It usually has an octagonal shape
• Filter funnels into which ground coffee is poured
• A container in which a ready-to-drink drink is collected.

A rubber gasket is installed in the upper part of the device, at the point of contact between the two tanks. It does not allow the finished drink to leak into the lower part from the upper part. Inside the water container there is a stainless metal tube through which water rises from the bottom to the top during the preparation of a coffee drink.

The lower part of the coffee maker is made of aluminum, stainless steel or ceramic. The last option is the most effective in terms of design, but is also vulnerable to mechanical stress. The reservoir for ready-made coffee, in addition to aluminum and steel, can be made of glass or plastic. This allows you to visually control the process of preparing the drink.

Tips for use

When preparing coffee in a Bialetti geyser coffee maker, the main danger is to burn or overheat the coffee. That's why:

• If you are using an electric stove, on which, unlike a gas stove, it is more difficult to monitor the temperature, then it is advisable to choose the smallest burner and set the medium mode (four out of six is ​​just right). If you want to warm it up faster, you can first set it to six, but then switch to three or four.
• Before the moment when coffee begins to flow into the upper bowl (after a couple of weeks of use, you will accurately learn to predict this moment), you can turn off the burner or even remove the coffee pot from it.
• At the very end of the preparation, there is no need to bring it to the point where the geyser begins to “snort”. At this moment, fiery steam is already flowing, and not hot water, which is harmful for coffee. If snorting does start, you can pour cold tap water over the bottom of the coffee pot, this will immediately stop the process.
• Some water remains in the lower bowl, this is normal.
• Tamping coffee is usually not recommended, but you can actually do it if you want a richer flavor. The main thing is not to compact it too much, you can crush it with a spoon. Well, make sure, of course, that the water is poured below the emergency valve!
• Those who are upset by the too long process of preparing coffee in the morning can be advised to pack the coffee pot in the evening.

Along with the classic versions that use an external “coolant,” there are electric geyser coffee makers on sale that are equipped with a built-in heating element and operate like a kettle with a stand. On the latter, they can rotate around their axis.

In addition to the most obvious advantage, that there is no need to fire up the stove, there is also a corresponding disadvantage - it is necessary to have electrical power. Another inconvenience is that you cannot quickly “recharge” the coffee maker and prepare another portion, since you have to wait until it cools down, and rinsing the electric version with cold water is problematic.

The electric version is, of course, more expensive, but it may (or may not, depending on the model) have a timer for turning on and making coffee.

Kinds

All geyser-type coffee makers can be divided into the following groups according to the heat source:

1. Gas . Can be installed not only on a gas stove, but also on any open fire. You can make coffee in it over a fire or stove, which is heated with wood. It does not require connection to an outlet or electrical network.
2. Electrical. The devices operate from the network. This allows you to quickly prepare coffee at home or in the office.
3. For induction cookers . Coffee makers made of stainless steel or cast iron can be placed on an induction hob. To make sure. To ensure that it is suitable for such a stove, apply a magnet to the bottom. If it does not fall off, you can install it on an induction device.

What to look for when choosing

Those who have decided to purchase such a device still need to understand how to choose a good geyser coffee maker? Moka is a simple technique, so it won't take much time to pick it up. You just need to pay attention to a few points.

The first question is the type of model. Should I take a regular moka or an electric one? The difference is about the same as between a regular and an electric kettle. Models that operate on mains power usually have an auto-off feature. But ordinary ones are more compact, easier to maintain and almost impossible to disable.

Next, you need to decide on the volume. Geyser coffee makers brew only a fixed amount of drink. Therefore, you immediately need to understand which capacity is best - 2 cups, 4, 6 or 12.

When choosing a regular moka, you need to take into account the type of stove. All classic geyser coffee makers are suitable for gas or electric burners. And for induction cookers there are special models, the lower part of which is made of a special material with ferromagnetic properties.

It is also worth considering additional functions and features of the model. For example, there are interesting models with a cappuccino function. They are designed in such a way that steam whips the milk into foam during cooking. Also, in such models you can prepare simple coffee with milk or regular espresso.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of a geyser coffee maker:

• Simple design that does not require special skills or detailed instructions
• can be left on the stove while cooking, the coffee will not run away, as is the case with cezve
• Easy to prepare: water is poured to a certain volume, the powder is added so that it fills the filter
• The finished drink is not bitter and has a richer taste than the one prepared in a Turk. There's no thickness in it
• Compact size and cooking over an open fire allow you to take the coffee maker with you on a trip or hike.
• The drink does not burn due to the design features of the device
• The temperature of the prepared coffee does not decrease for a long time
• Takes up little space in the kitchen
• The aluminum and steel from which the moka is made are durable, so it will last a long time
• There are different models
• You can buy a device of the required volume, from one cup to 1 liter of drink
• The coffee maker is easy to care for
• Low price. Geyser is the most budget coffee maker.

Advantages of the geyser model

It’s not that difficult to brew a drink in it; the main thing is to polish all the steps and take into account the nuances. The prices of the machines are an order of magnitude lower, and the quality of the drink is amazing.

To brew delicious coffee with foam, it is better to give preference to coarse or medium grind beans. It is necessary to cook over low or medium heat; this will allow, firstly, to observe the cooking process, and secondly, to have time to remove it, so as not to get a burnt drink with notes of bitterness.

As for coffee with foam, a geyser coffee maker does not always allow you to prepare it. In most cases, the drink is obtained without foam or with a small amount of it, and only certain models allow you to enjoy the foam, but the coffee always turns out excellent.

Some variations of geyser coffee makers have the ability to brew cappuccino and latte.

How to properly brew coffee in a geyser coffee maker

Before using the coffee maker for the first time, carefully read the instructions. Then unscrew the top of the device and remove the strainer-shaped filter. Purified water is poured into the lower reservoir, from which the drink will be prepared. Its quantity should not exceed the mark placed inside the container.

The upper and lower tanks are screwed to each other. A filter is installed between them, into which ground coffee is poured to the top. Its quantity should not be reduced if you are going to prepare less drink. The coffee is not compacted, only pressed lightly so that the surface is loose. This is necessary to make it easier for hot water to pass through the layer of powder. The edges of the filter are cleaned of powder.

Principle of operation

The operating principle of a geyser coffee maker is based on the action of hot water and steam. The water in the lower reservoir of the device is heated, and part of it turns into steam. Under its influence, the boiling liquid rises into the filter with ground coffee and is saturated with taste and aroma. The finished drink is poured from the tube into the upper container.

Thus, coffee is obtained due to the pressure generated in the device when water is heated. The operating principle of a geyser-type coffee maker is very similar to the operating principle of a carob coffee maker. Therefore, coffee prepared on the stove in compliance with all the rules will be almost as strong and aromatic as from a coffee machine.

The operating principle of a geyser coffee maker is based on the squeezing function of steam

The following video tells about the features of a geyser coffee maker, the principles of its operation and some secrets of handling it.

Additional functions

At the bottom of the geyser-type coffee maker there is a valve that is activated in an emergency. Sometimes water is not able to pass through the powder layer. This can happen if very finely ground coffee is used. In this case, high steam pressure is created in the lower part, which can lead to undesirable consequences and cause burns to the owner. To prevent this from happening, steam is released through an emergency valve.

A geyser coffee maker can be used not only for making coffee. You can brew tea or medicinal herbs in it. They are placed in a strainer instead of coffee powder. The further process is similar to making coffee.

Modern geyser-type coffee makers are equipped with additional functions that make working with the device more comfortable:

• Timer
• Display
• Sound indicator
• The indicator light shows whether the device is connected to the network
• Automatic shutdown
• Protection against voltage surges will extend the life of the device
• The digital timer allows you to set the coffee preparation time. After the process is completed, the device will turn off itself.
• Reheating previously prepared coffee after unplugging
• A strength regulator is rare. It allows you to independently regulate the amount of ground coffee used
• Cappuccino maker for making foam.

Why it might not work

A geyser coffee maker is a fairly simple device, and therefore all malfunctions are usually associated with improper operation. The most common problems include the following:

• When cooking, steam escapes. This happens due to insufficient tightness of the structure, so you just have to tighten the coffee maker tighter;
• Water cannot pass through the filter. The reason here is either using coffee that is too finely ground, or a clogged filter, which must be thoroughly washed after each brew;
• The yield of the drink does not correspond to that stated in the instructions. In this case, you need to carefully monitor the amount of water poured into the tank;
• The drink has a bitter, burnt taste. It may be due to being on the burner for too long or due to poor rinsing after use;
• There was a suspension in the coffee. Either the grind is too fine, or it’s time to replace the filter and gasket.

A geyser coffee maker is the best option for making coffee at home. It is easy to use, and if used correctly, you will get a tasty and aromatic invigorating drink.

The final product is the same everywhere and does not depend on a specific model.

Care

In order for your coffee maker to work as long as possible, you need to properly care for it:

• Before turning on the electrical appliance, check the tightness and correct assembly
• After cooking, the portions are allowed to cool, then unrolled, the used powder is removed, and the containers are washed with warm water.
• Clean the safety valve regularly to prevent the device from exploding if the pressure increases.
• After each preparation, check the condition of the filter and gasket.
• The filter is cleaned with dishwashing detergent or baking soda.
• The device must be cleaned manually only. It cannot be placed in the dishwasher
• After washing, wipe all parts with a clean soft cloth.
• When using a coffee maker on a gas stove, do not turn on the gas at full power.

Caring for a geyser coffee maker does not involve removing oily deposits from the walls of the container; it prevents the formation of an unpleasant aftertaste.

Tips and lifehacks

It's actually very simple, so even if the first try doesn't work, you'll get the flavor you want on the second or third. But there are some tips that can help you.

• Do not store ready-made espresso in a metal geyser - it quickly acquires a metallic taste. Either immediately pour into cups, or pour into another container.
• When you remove the geyser from the heat, the brewing and pouring process is still in progress. You can quickly stop it by cooling the lower part: place it on a wet, cold towel in a bowl of cold water.
• If the drink turns out watery, open the lid and look: at the beginning of the pour it is very dark, then it becomes lighter. When the color resembles light honey, remove the device and cool it quickly.
• If coffee splashes across the stove, you have connected the parts too loosely or there are particles between them that prevent a tight twist. Remove, cool, disassemble and try again.
• Do not fill liquids higher than the safety valve mark. Too high pressure can lead to an explosion.

A big plus: coffee will not spill out of the top container, even if you forget the coffee maker on the stove (as often happens with Turks). It will heat up, boil away, become stronger and more concentrated, but will not leak out. If boiling over occurs, turn off the heat and allow the device to cool naturally.

Indications and contraindications

Standard coffee recipes in a geyser coffee maker are used to obtain a strong drink. But espresso won't always be healthy. There are medical indications and contraindications for use for certain diagnoses.

Beneficial properties for the body

Strong, invigorating espresso has beneficial properties:

1. Stimulating blood circulation
   . Caffeine activates blood flow, raises blood pressure, and increases heart rate. Blood rushes to the brain, consciousness becomes clearer. A person feels more alert and active, and can better concentrate on complex tasks.
2. Reducing stress levels
   . The grains contain serotonin, known as the “happiness hormone”. It improves your mood, gives you a feeling of joy and even euphoria.
3. Improved digestion
   . When consuming caffeine, the secretion of gastric juice increases. This improves food digestion and stimulates appetite.
4. Obtaining antioxidants
   . Two medium cups contain half of a person's daily requirement of antioxidants. Antioxidants slow down the aging of the body and improve tissue regeneration.
5. Disease prevention
   . Regular consumption of caffeine reduces the risk of diabetes, hepatitis, and Alzheimer's disease.

The benefits of caffeine have been proven by scientific research. But in addition to the beneficial properties, there are contraindications for use.

Contraindications for use

Excessive caffeine consumption is addictive. From its lack, a dependent person experiences anger and aggression, or, conversely, becomes lethargic and apathetic. Caffeine disrupts the functioning of the nervous system, disrupts the normal rhythm of the heart, and leaches B vitamins, calcium and water from the body.

Absolute contraindications are:

• Atherosclerosis.
• Insomnia.
• Gastritis.
• Hypertension.
• Glaucoma.
• Ischemic disease.
• Peptic ulcer disease.

Old age or pregnancy are not absolute contraindications. But it is recommended to limit the amount to two cups per day.

Recommendations for caring for your coffee maker

To increase the service life of the device and improve the quality of the drink, you should follow all the tips and requirements for using a geyser coffee maker, according to its operating instructions.

Additional useful tips for caring for your device:

• after each use of the “geyser”, you should thoroughly rinse and clean all internal surfaces of the device (this condition is not suitable for coffee makers with a steel body. In such devices, coffee oils protect the drinks subsequently prepared from the presence of a metallic taste);
• It is better to clean the device after cooling;
• the most important point is to maintain the filter elements and gaskets of the coffee maker in proper condition (this will preserve the taste of the drink, as well as avoid a fire hazard caused by clogging of the corresponding channels and holes);
• It is better to clean the coffee maker with specialized detergents (the use of dishwashing chemicals is strictly prohibited);
• It is periodically necessary to check all functions of the device to eliminate possible malfunctions;
• For electrical devices, you should be careful about the nodes located in the electrical circuit (severe bending of the wires and disruption of the nodes of their connection to the device are not allowed).

Geyser coffee maker: what is it and why is it dangerous?

This apparatus is dangerous because it may cause an explosion or electric shock. If it breaks down or there are errors in operation, it is better to seek help from qualified specialists.

Large manufacturers of geyser devices value their reputation, so they usually do not refuse high-quality repairs and service for their products.