How to choose a drip coffee maker: we help you decide on the criteria

As I already wrote (see the review article about choosing a coffee maker for the home on the main page), "drip coffee makers", they are filtration – the most affordable devices on the coffee equipment market. The choice of a real "state employee". Therefore, many people buy them without even looking at them. And then they get disappointed very quickly. I am also familiar with numerous opposite cases. The person didn’t even look in the direction of drip coffee makers, he thought, well, for that kind of money it definitely won’t make me normal coffee, but in the end it turned out that a drip coffee maker/coffee machine is the ideal solution for him.

To understand who filter coffee makers are suitable for and who are contraindicated, we will first study their design, because all the conclusions logically follow from the method of preparing the drink.

Device structure

The device of the drip coffee maker is simple. Among its main elements:

• container for cold water. As a rule, it is placed in the back and cannot be removed;
• a boiler in which the liquid is heated directly;
• a heating element;
• a filter and funnel designed for crushed beans;
• reservoir for the prepared drink. It is a coffee pot or flask. In some models, this capacity is cups.

Principle of operation

The operating principle of a drip coffee maker is as follows:

1. From the reservoir located at the rear, the liquid moves into the boiler.
2. Once in the tank, the water heats up and then begins to rise up the tube.
3. Through the crushed coffee beans, the liquid seeps drop by drop into the lower container.
4. The drink is considered ready when all the water passes through the filter.

When using a drip coffee maker, coffee grounds do not fall into the cup. It remains in the filter.

The stand on which the finished drink is placed is often equipped with a heating function. Due to this, the coffee stays hot for a long time.

Filtering methods

There are several ways to filter coffee. The first is carried out using a filter, which is located in the device itself, which allows you to automate the brewing process. The best filters are those made of plastic. They have a long service life and do not require special care. There are also filters made from paper. Their advantage is that they are disposable - after use they are simply thrown away. For the laziest, manufacturers have developed metal filters. It does not require replacement, but is not included in the basic package and requires additional financial investment.

The second method is filters that are attached to a cup or other container into which the finished drink is poured from a coffee pot. You can use both filtering methods at the same time.

How to use a drip coffee maker correctly

It’s not for nothing that drip coffee makers are called the most reliable and simplest among coffee machines. Making coffee in them is incredibly easy. You only need to do a few steps:

1. Connect the device to the network.
2. Pour water into the container.
3. Pour ground coffee beans into the filter at the rate of one teaspoon for every 100 ml of water.
4. Press the power button.
5. Wait until all the liquid seeps into the lower container.
6. Turn off the unit.
7. Pour the finished drink into a cup.

Who is it suitable for?

First, it is necessary to clearly understand that a drip coffee maker prepares only one type of drink - filtered coffee. This is neither Turkish coffee, nor from a geyser, much less espresso. And all sorts of cappuccinos are also missing.

A drip coffee maker prepares one type of coffee – filtered, which can also be called a real “Americano”.

Therefore, those who are disappointed after a purchase usually expect to get something noticeably stronger than from a French press or pouring boiling water from a kettle over ground coffee in a cup. But in fact, such equipment is simply not intended for brewing a drink of at least a geyser level of saturation.

But this is exactly the original recipe for making the “correct” Americano. It’s not for nothing that in America, both North and South, finding coffee other than filtered can be extremely difficult. That is, if you are a fan of this particular type of coffee drink, then your choice is a drip coffee maker. If you only drink Americano, then buy an espresso coffee machine or a carob pump coffee maker, then dilute the drink with hot water - shoot sparrows from a cannon. Taking into account the fact that drip coffee makers start from 1-2 thousand rubles.

Types of filters

There are two types of filters for drip coffee makers:

• disposable;
• reusable.

Reusable filters designed for drip coffee makers are included. They are a strainer-funnel. They are made from nylon or plastic. There are also products with spraying applied to nylon. Among the disadvantages of such filters is the need to clean them after each brewing of coffee.

Disposable products are usually made from cellulose. They come in two varieties:

• unprocessed. No bleaching agents are used in production, so they have a brown tint;
• bleached. In modern industry they are bleached with oxygen.

On sale you can find filters for coffee makers made from bamboo fibers.

The filter element along with the coffee grounds are simply thrown away after brewing is completed. There is no need to clean it. This is the main advantage of disposable options.

Carob coffee makers

De'Longhi ECI 341 WH/BK/CP/BZ Distinta

Espresso coffee maker in a metal case. Ground coffee or pods are used. Metal horn. Coffee maker capacity 1 l. The kit includes a cappuccino maker. Function of simultaneous preparation of two portions. Auto shut-off function and heating of the cup shelf. Dimensions 20x32x31 cm.

The average price is 13,820 rubles.

REDMOND RCM-1502

The model is designed for 2-3 persons. The volume of the kettle is 240 ml. Includes manual cappuccino maker. Powered by ground coffee. There is a function for simultaneous preparation of two servings; a special attachment is included for this. The tray is heated. Power 720 W. The average price is 3,815 rubles.

Ariete 1389 Vintage

An espresso machine in a beautiful retro design, with a volume of 0.9 liters and a power of 900 W. Included with the horn are two strainers: for one serving of coffee and for two. The body is made of quality materials. The design of the device is such that it must be accessible from the left and rear.

The average price is 12,490 rubles.

Some useful tips before making coffee

Before you start using a drip coffee maker, be sure to read the instructions. There are also a few important points to consider:

• use bottled water. In this case, it will be possible to avoid the appearance of scale;
• Store crushed grains in airtight containers. Thanks to this, it will be possible to preserve their original aroma;
• preheat the tank for the finished drink;
• Under no circumstances should you use damaged or broken filters. Such actions will lead to damage to the unit.

The most popular coffee recipes

Making coffee with a drip coffee maker is easy. In such a unit you can brew classic espresso, and use it to create even more sophisticated drinks.

Espresso

The list of products required for making espresso is minimal:

• 9 g ground coffee beans;
• 30 ml water.

The drink is prepared in a drip coffee maker according to the following principle:

1. Coffee powder is poured into the filter.
2. Water flows into the rear reservoir.
3. The device turns on.
4. When the liquid moves to the lower reservoir, the finished drink is poured into heated cups.

Latte

When making a latte you will need the following ingredients:

• 50 ml espresso;
• 200 ml milk;
• a pinch of cinnamon;
• 3 g chopped nuts.

Cooking steps:

1. Brew espresso coffee in a coffee maker and pour it into a tall glass.
2. Beat the milk with a blender or mixer.
3. Pour the resulting mixture over the espresso.
4. Place milk foam on top.
5. Sprinkle the surface with nuts and cinnamon.

Viennese cappuccino

To make cappuccino you will need the following products:

• 50 ml of espresso prepared in a coffee maker;
• 50 ml whipped cream;
• 20 g chocolate.

Cappuccino coffee recipe:

1. Heat the milk on the stove and pour into a glass.
2. Slowly pour the finished espresso into the same container.
3. Place whipped cream on top.
4. Decorate the surface with chocolate chips.

Irish coffee drink

The original drink, popular in Ireland, contains the following components:

• 60 ml espresso;
• 20 g sugar;
• 20 ml water;
• 40 ml cream;
• 30 ml whiskey.

An Irish cocktail is prepared as follows:

1. Brew espresso in a drip coffee machine.
2. Mix water with sugar and bring to a boil.
3. Pour the resulting syrup into coffee.
4. Add whiskey to the composition.
5. Spread whipped cream on the surface.

Rating of popular models and manufacturers

Home appliance stores offer many different drip coffee makers, from cheap to expensive.

Economical

One of the budget models is the Polaris PCM 0210 coffee maker, designed for preparing 2 cups of drink.

Polaris PCM 0210 is designed to prepare 2 cups of drink.

Among the advantages are noted:

• price about 1.3 thousand rubles;
• power 0.45 kW;
• backlight of the “Start” button;
• reusable nylon filter;
• anti-slip coating on the bottom;
• a tray into which drops flow;
• water level indicator;
• measuring spoon and 2 ceramic cups included.

The disadvantages of the coffee maker include:

• plastic body;
• short network cable;
• lack of automatic shutdown, delayed start, anti-drip system.

The Moulinex FG 1528 coffee maker is easy to use, stylish in appearance and small in size (15x22x20 cm).

Moulinex FG 1528 is a drip coffee maker for ground coffee.

The positive features of the device were:

• glass flask;
• folding filter holder;
• automatic heating;
• anti-drip system;
• cost about 2.5 thousand rubles;
• power 0.6 kW.

The disadvantages are the lack of a display and self-cleaning functions.

The Philips HD7457/20 coffee maker brews at least 10 cups of drink at once.

Among the positive characteristics are:

• rubberized legs;
• housing made of impact-resistant plastic with metal elements;
• delayed start;
• removable filter holder;
• the presence of a “drop-stop” system;
• heated lower part;
• price on average 2.6 thousand rubles;
• power 1 kW.

Philips HD7457/20 will heat up to 10 cups of drink at a time.

The lack of automatic shutdown and monitor are considered disadvantages of the model.

Middle class

Such drip coffee makers include the Chinese model Melitta Optima Glass Timer with a thermoplastic body and a glass flask with a capacity of 1.1 liters. In stores, the device is offered at a price of 5.5 thousand rubles.

For this amount the buyer receives:

• 4-level water hardness adjustment;
• automatic shutdown;
• decalcification program;
• anti-drip system;
• preheat for 30 minutes;
• LCD screen;
• power and water level indicator;
• convenient container for cable winding;
• disposable filter with the ability to replace it with a stationary one.

Melitta OPTIMA Glass Timer is a drip coffee maker.
Plastic and stainless steel were used to make the body of the Panasonic NC-ZF1HTQ coffee maker. A special feature of the device is its double walls, which create the effect of a thermos and maintain the temperature inside.

The technical specifications are:

• power 0.9 kW;
• stationary filter;
• 0.96 liter glass tank for 8 cups of coffee or tea;
• 3 levels of strength adjustment;
• power indicator and water quantity sensor;
• automatic switching on;
• anti-drip system.

The Panasonic NC-ZF1HTQ coffee maker is made of stainless steel.
For such a device you will have to pay about 6 thousand rubles.

The American KitchenAid 5KCM0402 coffee maker is equipped with a cappuccino maker, a removable mesh filter, and a thermos mug with a capacity of 0.54 liters.

Among the advantages are recognized:

• modern appearance;
• spacious 1 liter tank;
• high boiling speed;
• temperature sensor and water level scale;
• anti-drip system.

The KitchenAid 5KCM0402 coffee maker is equipped with a cappuccino maker.
The disadvantages of the coffee maker are the lack of a display and strength adjustment.

Premium Representatives

The Mystery MCB-5125 coffee maker has a built-in coffee grinder with a capacity of 250 g. The device has a metal body and will prepare 2-10 cups of coffee.

Among the technical characteristics of the device:

• built-in mesh filter;
• LED monitor;
• manual adjustment of grinding degree and drink strength;
• automatic shutdown;
• delayed start for 24 hours;
• auto-heating

The Mystery MCB-5125 coffee maker is equipped with a built-in coffee grinder.
Disadvantages are recognized:

• price about 10 thousand rubles;
• big size;
• noise during cooking;
• inability to adjust portion size.

The SkyCoffee M1505S coffee maker manufactured by Redmond allows you to add powdered or grain coffee. A distinctive feature of the model is the Ready for Sky technology based on Android OS. It allows you to control the device using a smartphone.

Other distinctive features were:

• plastic case with metal parts;
• tempered glass tank;
• flask with a capacity of 0.5 l;
• removable mesh filter;
• LED design of the operating mode;
• rich set, which includes a glass coffee pot, measuring spoon, cleaning brush;
• overheat protection;
• auto shutdown

Redmond SkyCoffee M1505S is a drip coffee maker with remote control function.
Buyers did not like the noise during the preparation of the drink, the lack of a drip tray, and the inflated price (more than 10 thousand rubles).

The Philips HD 7761 coffee maker is made of heat-resistant plastic and comes with a 300 g coffee grinder.

Other advantages of the coffee maker are:

• metal water container with a volume of 1.2 l;
• non-slip rubber feet;
• flask with graduation;
• power 1 kW;
• cable rewinder with a special compartment;
• drink strength control;
• automatic shutdown;
• LCD display;
• heating plate;
• “drop-stop.”

Philips HD 7761 is a small coffee maker with a built-in coffee grinder.
Negative factors are the lack of a delayed start and a short wire. Such a device costs about 16 thousand rubles.

Top best drip coffee makers

To choose a good coffee maker for your home, you need to study the rating of the best models. The review presents their main characteristics. The TOP included the following devices:

1. Redmond SkyCoffee RCM-1508S . Allows you to prepare aromatic, rich coffee. Equipped with a reusable filter. Electronic control. You can start the device from a smartphone.
2. Maxwell MW-1650. Convenient, easy to use and reliable. The functionality is limited, but it is sufficient for use at home.
3. Bosch TKA 3A031 . Considered one of the best drip coffee makers. It is reliable and easy to use;
4. Redmond RCM-1510 . The model is durable, high quality, equipped with a delay timer. The kit includes a reusable metallized filter.
5. Philips Daily Mini . Features a stylish design. Characterized by increased strength and reliability.
6. Philips HD7459 . The build quality is at a high level. It is possible to delay the start. The only drawback is the high price.

Redmond SkyCoffee RCM-1508S

Maxwell MW-1650

Bosch TKA 3A031

Redmond RCM-1510

Philips HD7459

Philips Daily Mini

Reviews

Real owners are ready to share with our readers their impressions and experience in operating devices from different manufacturers.

Vitalina, 42 years old, owner of VITEK VT-1503

— I bought a coffee maker quite recently, to replace an old one. I was used to drips and wanted the same one. I chose this one because of its low price, familiar design, and heated platform. Quite happy with the purchase. It makes excellent coffee, doesn’t smell like plastic, and has been working for 2 years almost without a break. She got her money's worth a long time ago!

Anna, 36 years old, owner of PHILIPS Daily Collection

— Gave it to work colleagues for their last birthday. Convenient coffee pot with a good handle. Disposable filters, on the one hand, are convenient - you don’t need to get dirty, but on the other hand, there are additional costs, which is not very pleasant. There is a drawback - the prepared coffee splashes a lot. Maybe my marriage is like this? In general, I didn’t use it myself, I gave it to my husband at the office. It suits him.

Andrey, 28 years old, owner of MAXWELL MW-1650

— To be honest, I chose it because of the price. But I didn’t regret it. Brews coffee normally, convenient reusable filter, heats the flask so it doesn’t get cold. It works quickly, enough for 4 cups - very convenient for family use. My brother, however, doesn’t like that the coffee is not scalding, but just hot. But you can't please everyone!

Irina, 31 years old, owner of TEFAL CM

— A good model, holds more than a liter of coffee. I bought it precisely because of its spaciousness for a large family. Cooks quickly and doesn't spill anything. No permanent smells or tastes. The only negative that was noticed after six months of use is that it is inconvenient that there is no indicator. It is not clear whether it is on or off.

How to choose a drip coffee maker

The choice of a drip type of coffee maker should be made taking into account its functional features. The following points should be taken into account:

1. Power. The brewing speed directly depends on it. Lovers of strong espresso should choose a unit with a power of no more than 800 W. If the priority is not strength, but speed of preparation, then these indicators should be higher.
2. Volume. As a rule, the capacity of the water tank varies between 1-1.5 liters. Volumetric containers are purchased for offices. For home use, 1 liter is enough. It is not necessary to fill it out completely. Exactly as much liquid is poured in as is needed to prepare the drink.
3. Flask . They are round, trapezoidal, and in the form of a thermos. The materials used to make them can be glass and plastic. It is recommended to give preference to glass options. The form is not of fundamental importance.
4. Anti-drip system. This feature eliminates the need to wait until the rear reservoir is completely empty. At any time, you can pause the process, pour a portion of the drink and put the tank back in place to continue brewing.
5. Overfill protection. The function involves stopping the filling process of the lower reservoir when it is completely filled.
6. Automatic dosage . The device itself selects the optimal ratio of grains and water.
7. Heating. A special stand ensures that the tank with the finished drink remains at a high temperature.

Technical characteristics and selection criteria

If you do not pay attention to the additional functions that are equipped with individual coffee makers, most of the components and consumer properties of drip machines are similar.

Material of manufacture

Food grade plastic is used to make the case. Premium segment models have metal trim and glass elements. This design gives a rich appearance, but does not affect the quality of the brewed coffee or improve thermoregulation.

Premium coffee makers have a metal finish.

Dimensions

The dimensions of the device are important when there is not enough space to place it. There are drip coffee makers for sale for any room.

Water container and its volume

There are 3 conditions for this component:

• it should hold as much liquid as required to prepare the maximum portion;
• ease of care;
• Possibility of adding water as needed.

The water container must hold enough liquid.
Water containers are made removable, with a lid and a level scale. The volume of most models is 1-1.5 liters, which is enough for a family of 3-4 people. Larger units are installed in public places or offices.

Features of the flask

Drip coffee makers are equipped with a glass flask with a minimum number of holes, as well as marks that allow you to pour the right amount of water. For convenience, there is a spout and a tight-fitting plastic lid.

The shape of the tank is chosen in the form of a trapezoid, tapering upward. All this helps preserve the aroma and temperature of the drink.

Heater type and power

In coffee makers, heating elements with a power of less than 1 kW are used to boil water. This is enough for a jug with a volume of up to 1.5 liters - a portion for 10 cups will boil in 10-15 minutes. For more expensive models, an element with 2 spirals is used. Increasing or decreasing the speed at which water passes through the powder layer affects not only the speed of preparation, but also the strength of the coffee.

Drip coffee makers use heating elements with a power of less than 1 kW.

Filters

The second most important component of a drip coffee machine after the flask is responsible for retaining small particles and grounds. There are models with disposable and reusable filters. The most common were:

1. Paper, which must be changed after each use. Its advantages are the filtration of powder granules and the reduction of the concentration of harmful compounds, such as cafestol.
2. Metal mesh found on many samples. Gives the drink a specific iron taste. Can be used in conjunction with a paper filter.
3. Nylon, relatively reusable. Designed for 60 servings. Needs constant cleaning and washing.
4. The “golden” filter is a variation of the previous one with titanium nitride coating. It has a longer service life, requires maintenance and is more expensive.

Anti-drip system

It is now quite difficult to purchase a coffee maker without such a function. If the device has a “drop-stop” system, then it has the following advantages:

• no splashing;
• the ability to pour coffee before the entire volume boils.

Coffee makers with an anti-drip system avoid splashing when preparing coffee.
In this case, you can enjoy your drink in just 2 minutes. However, it will be stronger than portions received on time.

Automatic heating plate

It is installed under the receiving section to maintain a constant temperature. The contents will not cool down within 30 minutes.

Automatic shutdown

The volume of water poured into the container boils immediately. The coffee maker then goes into warm mode for the set time. This function allows you not to constantly monitor the operation of the device to avoid boiling over.

The presence of a person is required only when all the liquid needs to be consumed.

Setting the coffee temperature

This mode is needed to reveal the taste qualities of grains of different varieties. For light roasts, a temperature of +93...+95°C is suitable, dark roasts are tastier at +88...+91°C, medium roasting will require a temperature of +91...+93°C. In addition, with low heat the coffee will be sour, and with higher heat it will be bitter.

Adjusting the coffee temperature is necessary to obtain different flavors.

Adjusting the portion of hot water

This function allows you to get the required volume of drink in one cycle, because... Some models heat all the water poured into the tank. If family members wake up at different times or are used to drinking coffee separately, then adjustment allows you to prepare a fresh portion each time.

Automatic decalcification

If water of high hardness is poured into the device, it is impossible to avoid scale formation. Gradually, it clogs the tubes and settles on the heating element, which leads to breakdown of the coffee maker.

To avoid this, you need to place a cleaning agent in the tank or add citric acid and activate the program.

Delay start timer

With its help, the device starts up on time. For some models this period is several hours. This way you can save time in the morning, when you are in a hurry and every minute counts.

The delay start timer starts the coffee maker at a specific time.

Power cord winder

This mechanism allows you to protect the cable from damage during storage in a closet or on a shelf. The wire wound into a special compartment does not interfere with the owners and does not attract pets that can chew it.

What determines the taste of brewed coffee?

It is not always possible to brew espresso as tasty as we would like. This is due to the fact that the use of coffee makers has certain features. The taste of the prepared drink is influenced by several factors:

• water. You need to use clean, purified or bottled. The presence of impurities is unacceptable;
• grinding degree The finer the coffee fractions, the stronger the drink;
• dosage. The strength directly depends on the selected proportions of crushed grains and water;
• preheating the dishes. If the finished espresso is poured into a warm container, it fully reveals its taste and aroma qualities.

More powerful does not mean better!

What could this mean? Everything is much simpler than you think! The more powerful the drip coffee maker, the faster the boiling water passes through the ground coffee. As a result, the resulting drink is not very rich. Exactly the opposite happens with a device of lower power. The water stays in its brew tank a little longer, so it has time to absorb more of the taste and aroma of the coffee.

To prepare a strong drink, you need to use a coffee maker whose power does not exceed 800 W. The lower the power of the drip coffee machine, the longer the coffee preparation process takes.

Pros and cons of units

Electric coffee makers of this type have both disadvantages and advantages. Among the positive aspects are:

• reliability;
• convenient control;
• large range of models;
• many budget options;
• It turns out to make a delicious drink.

Among the disadvantages of such devices:

• it is difficult to get a strong drink;
• high consumption of coffee powder;
• Possibility of preparing only Americano and espresso;
• the need to regularly replace or clean filters.

Drip machines designed for making coffee belong to the group of budget options. They are reliable and easy to use. The main thing is to choose them responsibly and use them in accordance with the instructions. At the same time, the device will last a long time, and the resulting drink will have excellent taste.

Factors affecting the taste of coffee

To prepare a delicious drink in a coffee maker, you need to fulfill several conditions:

• use beans that were roasted no more than 2 months ago;
• do not store the powder in open packaging for more than 7 days;
• remove the granules remaining in the coffee grinder from the last time;
• heat water with a mineralization not exceeding 75-150 mg/l;
• do not use household filters to soften water;
• monitor the quality of grinding;
• Clean equipment regularly.

To make coffee you need to use fresh beans.