The term is derived from locust bean coffee container shapes, in which pre-ground coffee beans. The design of this embodiment of the coffee machine is specially designed for quick preparation of espresso drink recipe.
The main feature of this device is the minimum duration of direct contact between the ground grain and water or its absence. In the latter case the coffee is prepared by condensing vapor having passed through the container with the powder. Such a method has several advantages:
A list of the pros can be more, their number depends on the specific model and its value. Same story with disabilities, the higher the price, the lower the minuses can be found in the work. A common drawback of all devices of this type are considered large dimensions that make us think of the placement of the unit, especially in a small kitchen. By way disadvantages include the need to use tempera, a special device for compaction of the powder in the container, and relatively high noise level.
variety of instruments
Allocate pomp machine and boiler or steam counterparts. According to the degree of automation can be divided into automatic models and devices made on the principle of semi-automatic.
pomp
The design is a special species of pump-action pump, which warmed to 95 ° C hot water is forced through the particulate cake mix. Espresso connoisseurs say coffee from such devices is particularly tasty because of the larger number of nutrients.
Increased power allows to prepare a cup of drink less than a minute.
boiler
Steam version splash powder by hot steam, which is generated by heating water to 100 ° C in a special boiler. In this case, inevitable some loss of flavor, but more than the caffeine content. The pressure in such devices smaller, so the cooking liquor have little longer - about 2 minutes.
The main difference between the automatic version - the ability to independently perform most of the operations of milling grains to dispensing cups. But this advantage comes at a big price to pay. Semiautomatic require more manual work, but they are cheaper.
Design and operation of coffee machines
Structurally, locust bean coffee includes a set of internal elements assembled in a metal or plastic housing arranged outside controls.
- Element, where the cooking process is Holder. Before starting the machine, the machine should be removed and filled with ground grain with subsequent pressing in tempera.
- The main elements of the inner structure is built with the boiler heating element. Here the water is heated to boiling and the occurrence of vapor.
- A pump that pumps the cold water into the boiler and delivers it under pressure to transfer (cooking) group.
- To control the pressure in the boiler and pump of the device can be mounted pressure gauges. The first reports on the output of the machine operation. The second tells about the pressure in the cooking group.
- Transfer group, here hot water or steam is fed, depending on the model type. Passing through the filter Holder with pressed powder, it becomes a refreshing drink.
- Strait water through the dispensing group starts with a special button or lever Strait. They are displayed on the front of the body. At the machine, just press it once and the machine will stop after a cup of filling.
This is the general scheme of the device and operation of the machine for espresso. It may vary depending on the type and model. But the operating principle remains the same, the coffee does not boil, and is produced by the passage of water or steam through the pressed-substance (pods).
Making the right choice
Choose quality performance and functional model is not always easy. There are a number of technical parameters, which allow to understand the nuances of design and choose the appropriate option.
The type and number of horns
The horn may be made of plastic or metal. The first option is usually cheaper, but adversely affects the taste, giving them a sour aftertaste.
Stainless alloy, in addition to durability:
- It provides a quick and more heat;
- It provides a more full-bodied taste and aroma;
- It generates better expressed foam with a cream color.
According to the number of horns domestic versions can be single or dvuhrozhkovye. First designed for the simultaneous preparation of two cups, the latter is better suited for a large family, where a large number of espresso fans.
Possibility of coffee pods
This option allows you to use the package with the package of ground and roasted grain weight of about 7 g The substance is between a pair of paper filters. Pods greatly simplify the preparation process, by eliminating the tamping tempera powder. Phones compatible with this technology is abbreviated ESE.
Negative - increase in value.
The presence of Cappuccino
To get a cappuccino or latte among the functions of the instrument must be kapuchinator. In the mechanical embodiment, it is a common steam supply pipe, which is immersed in the cold milk. After opening the tap hot steam whips thick milk froth.
Avtokapuchinator is built milk box, that, when run takes the foam for cappuccino. The choice depends on the preferences of the future owner, if the cappuccino hits the menu from time to time is better to do the manual version, in the opposite situation, preference should be given machine.
Water tank volume
Capacity water tank is connected with a working pressure to which the instrument is designed. Machines with a pressure of 4 bar is usually equipped with a reservoir of 200 to 500 ml. More powerful machines with a pressure of 15 bar may have a capacity of 1.5 liters. The larger volume of the reservoir does not increase the single issue of drink, but allows you to serve numerous company in several stages with less time. A good option would be the presence of a removable tank, making it easier maintenance.
Heating element
In the most general form it is a usual heating element, but structurally it can be formed as a thermoblock or boiler where the heating element is located in a sealed beaker. Tremobloka advantage is considered the opportunity to give more water to the desired temperature.
Well, if carob coffee machine for home use will be equipped with an automatic dekltsinatsii. This will prevent the rapid formation of scale and to maintain the fuser in working condition for a long time.
Some additions to be considered
If you plan to buy a unit in the middle or the higher price segment, it is useful to look at some options:
- removable drip tray that collects the liquid spilled past the cup, which facilitates the maintenance of equipment;
- presence of an additional pump for the two of coffee, which allows you to immediately prepare the espresso and cappuccino;
- light, this element of the instrument will prompt the status of the process at the current time point to the level of water in the tank;
- automatic heating comprises heating at a water temperature reduction;
- heating units, a rare option, but its presence makes it possible to heat the cup before filling that retain the taste and flavor of espresso;
- and automatic shutdown response when overheated steam valve, this protective device capable of ensuring the safety of the device use and keep its performance;
- double nozzle can fill two cups immediately;
- Stop button allows you to interrupt cooking at any time;
- heating milk and maintaining the temperature of the finished coffee beverage allows to keep hot until use.
This is not all the options that the standard functionality of the model can be completed. In each case should be interested in the details, when there are difficulties not hesitate to ask for the appointment of incomprehensible options manager Trade Organization.
Review of popular models
When planning the purchase of a coffee maker horn type for ground coffee does not make sense to focus on the low-budget, usually substandard versions. Easier to cope with the loss of time and prepare a refreshing drink in the traditional way. Therefore, a review of specific embodiments include models from well-known brands with a proven track record.
Philips Saeco HD8325 Poemia
A typical representative of low-cost semi-automatic with features enough to use at home and in the office.
Among the advantages:
- capacious tank 1.25 liters;
- distribution directly into two cups;
- valve for supplying hot water;
- ESE technology;
- filter creates a stable foam;
- kapuchinator built.
In the pros the standard for the middle segment of the feature set.
The downside can be considered:
- the displacement of the power button on the back side;
- not too convenient handle horn made of plastic;
- shortish power cord.
In general, it is a quality unit that pleases durability, good quality work and reasonable price.
Delonghi Dedica EC 680 M
Another affordable device that effectively stands out for its original design. In this case, the manufacturer was able to create a very compact device without sacrificing the features you need and pleasant options.
The list of advantages:
- speed to the operating mode does not exceed 30 seconds;
- Increased capacity of the boiler, which far exceeds the standard for domestic analogues volume;
- convenient and intuitive electronic control of all of the three buttons, but with ample opportunities for programming;
- built-in descaling system.
Among the shortcomings:
- You must call the narrowness of the site for the cup, due to the size and characteristics of a weak strength of a plastic tamper that can not withstand severe stress.
Gaggia Classic RI9403
Dear unit with a two-liter tank, the increased power and an operating pressure of 15 bar. Capacity removable for easy maintenance.
Other advantages:
- simple yet ergonomic design;
- relatively small size;
- distribution into two cups;
- in addition to preparing espresso latte, cappuccino, macchiato;
- ESE support functions;
- heating cups;
- reliable push-button control.
The cons:
- price, which starts from a minimum of 25 thousand.
The unit is reliable and durable, in a review of serious raises no objections.
On the shelves with appliances immeasurably more models that are worthy of attention. But it should make a reservation at once, that in this case, the relationship is more expensive - better than the most urgent. Let the price of the device seems unreasonably high, but to use it you can without experiencing the inconvenience of missing features and does not waste time to eliminate annoying breakdowns.
