TOP 15 best carob coffee makers: 2020 rating and which one should you choose for your home + owner reviews

A coffee maker is one of the best devices for making coffee.

The drink has an excellent taste and is not inferior in quality to coffee prepared in a professional coffee machine.

Most often, the volume of the reservoir in a carob coffee maker is designed for two cups of coffee.

The presence of a cappuccino maker in some models allows you to prepare cappuccino, latte, macchiato and other coffee and milk drinks.

Before purchasing a device, it is important to familiarize yourself with its main parameters and compare several models.

Types of grinding: from coarse to fine

Based on the degree of grinding of coffee beans, there are five main types:

• When the grain pieces reach 1.5-2 mm, then it is coarse grinding.
• Grinding to the size of a sugar “grain of sand” is considered coarse.
• If the coffee particles are a cross between semolina and a grain of sugar in size, then this is an average option.
• Fine grinding allows your fingers to feel the texture, which is finer than semolina and close to flour.
• Real coffee dust is called “Extra” fine grind.

The article “Types of coffee grinding and what it affects” will help reveal the features of powder with grains of different sizes.

Did you know that there are so many types of grinding?

Not really

For Chemex, percolators, drip and geyser coffee makers, coarse or medium grinds are often used. It takes 2-3 minutes to brew. For tips on choosing the degree of grinding of beans in automatic units, see the article “Which coffee grind is best for a coffee machine.”

comparison table

The models allow you to use not only ground grains, but also pods, which can be an important parameter when choosing. It is also worth paying attention to other important characteristics given in the table.

Model	Coffee used	Power, W	Volume, l	Housing material	Dimensions, cm	Average price, rub.
Wacaco Nanopresso	Ground	–	0,08	Plastic	7x16x6	6 000
Oursson EM1505		1100	1,25		31x20x29	5 800
Polaris PCM 1532E Champagne			1,25		34x36x52	7 300
Kitfort KT-718		850	1,5		27x36x25	5 500
De'Longhi ECP 33.21	Ground/pods	1100	1		19x31x24	9 000
VITEK VT-1522 BK	Ground	1400	1,4	Plastic, stainless steel	26x37x31	9 900
REDMOND RCM-1511		1000	1,4	Plastic	24x31x26	10 700
Gaggia Gran De Luxe	Ground/pods	1050	1,25	Plastic, stainless steel	20x30x27	10 900
De'Longhi Dedica EC 685		1300	1,1	Metal	15x30x33	12 800
Krups Calvi Meca XP 3440	Ground	1460	1,1	Plastic	14x29x31	17 000

Studying the carob coffee maker

Description and principle of operation of mechanisms

All units must have a horn into which ground coffee is poured. The steam generated from the water is also supplied there. For this purpose, carob-type coffee makers are equipped with pump pumps. They create a pressure of 15 bar.

In a cone, this figure is 9. The figure is optimal for the formation of milk foam in the drink. The coffee maker heats the water to 90-95 degrees. If the liquid is brought to a boil at 100 degrees, it will not be possible to preserve the aroma. It will evaporate immediately after brewing. Boiling water will destroy the released oil, which determines the smell of freshly ground grains.

Expert opinion

Vadim Kudryavtsev

Coffee expert, professional barista and simply in love with this aromatic drink.

Ask the barista a question

A metal horn is preferable to a glass one. Ground coffee beans warm up better in it. Substances that give taste and aroma enter the final product with the liquid.

What coffee drinks does he prepare?

A carob coffee maker is a universal device in which exquisite drinks are prepared using espresso. A classic cup requires 30 ml of water and 7-8 g of ground beans.

Interesting! About the varieties of raf coffee

In the horn, the mass is compacted with metal or wooden tempera. The automatic device will dispense the finished drink in 30 seconds.

To get the best latte, you need barista experience. Chilled milk whipped until foamy, pour over espresso and garnish with nuts and cinnamon.

In cappuccino, milk is whipped and heated to 40 degrees. To form foam, use a paranello nozzle. Pour one by one - coffee, milk, foam. The Viennese recipe contains chocolate and cream.

A carob coffee maker can easily make glace (iced coffee) and an Irish version with whiskey. Any of the listed drinks is prepared in Moscow and other large cities where there are specialized cafes.

Suitable grind for compacting in a cone

Now let’s look at what coffee grind is best for a carob coffee maker. The option of grinding grains to a size smaller than a semolina grain is recognized as universal. This is a medium-small option. When tamped in a horn, the powder is perfectly compressed and turns into a “tablet”.

9 bar pressure is enough for brewing. An important plus is that the particles do not clog the horn.

If an automatic coffee maker with a coffee horn maintains pressure up to 15-20 bar, then fine or extra-fine coffee powder is perfect. This degree of coffee grinding will not let even a novice barista down.

A prerequisite is that the grains are crushed before brewing and used within an hour. Then the taste and aroma will be fully revealed.

Automatic cappuccino maker - pros and cons

Of the three types of milk blocks, the most expensive, but the most convenient, is the automatic one. He takes care of all the manipulations for preparing high-quality foam of different densities.

A coffee machine with automatic cappuccino and latte preparation has a number of advantages:

• control on the display is easy to set up using buttons;
• selection of several coffee recipes;
• memory function for selected recipes;
• function of remembering settings of different users;
• timer that selects the on time;
• automatic shutdown.

This coffee machine is selected taking into account the following characteristics:

1. High-quality interface with a convenient display in which the Russian language is available.
2. The ability to program automatic modes, simplifying the process of preparing cappuccino from turning on the machine with a timer to finally cleaning the machine.
3. Factory warranty available from 1 to 2 years.
4. Availability of a network of specialized service centers that provide warranty service.
5. Possibility of obtaining operational information via a hotline.

The three most popular models of coffee machines with an automatic milk block in terms of quality and price were determined by consumers themselves.

Cappuccino coffee maker De'Longhi Nespresso Latissima Touch

Price from 16,000 rub.

Main characteristics:

• works on Nespresso capsules;
• power 1400 W;
• water container volume - 0.9 l;
• touch control;
• waste container;
• the presence of a removable tray for collecting drops;
• there is a compartment for storing the cord;
• regulates the portions of hot water;
• notifies you when descaling is necessary;
• excellent build quality;
• ease of use.

Attention ! It is possible to make operation more budget-friendly by using alternative Nespresso coffee capsules.

Coffee machine Philips HD 8828

Price from 23,000 rub.

Main characteristics:

• works on grain and ground coffee;
• built-in coffee grinder;
• pressure 15 bar;
• power 1850 W;
• water container 1.8 l;
• self-cleaning function;
• The degree of grinding of the beans, strength and volume of the drink are regulated.

Cons: no timer, no auto-off and no cup warming.

Coffee machine Melitta Caffeo Barista T

Price from 76,000 rub.

A cappuccino coffee machine that provides everything for the convenience of a coffee lover - a real home barista. The number of functions that the system provides justifies the high price.

Main characteristics:

• power 1450 W;
• works on grain and ground coffee;
• water container volume - 1.8 l;
• pressure 15 bar;
• 18 built-in coffee recipes;
• automatic decalcification;
• regulates water hardness and temperature;
• pre-hydrates coffee;
• automatic shutdown;
• possibility of preparing 2 cups of drink at once;
• heating cups;
• built-in coffee grinder;
• display with settings and backlight;
• waste container;
• removable tray for collecting drips;
• compartment in the housing for storing the cord;
• storing coffee recipes for 4 different users.

The downside is the lack of Wi-Fi connection.

For comparison - other devices

Americano drip method

In a drip coffee maker, brewing occurs by the penetration of condensate drops through the product layer. Before pouring into the cup, the finished drink passes through a mesh. This setup requires coarse grinding of the beans. Otherwise, particles will pass through the holes, and a good drink will become cloudy.

When using paper filters, the use of particles of any fraction is allowed. All of them will remain on the paper surface. The purity of the resulting drink will be completely preserved.

Using the drip method you can brew just a cup or several servings of the famous Americano. Other recipes are not supported by this device.

From bottom to top - geyser method

Coffee for a coffee maker with a geyser brewing method must be ground to the size of granulated sugar (coarse grind). The operating principle of the unit is based on the passage of water vapor from below through a layer of coffee powder. The finished espresso is collected at the top of the container.

Interesting! Freeze-dried coffee rating: which is better in quality

Thanks to this brewing mechanism, it is permissible to use fine and fine grinding of coffee beans in geyser devices. There is a filter in the funnel with the powder. Therefore, waste particles will not get into the finished drink. The degree of saturation is adjusted according to individual taste, depending on the brewing time and the amount of powder.

Lovers of milky shades prepare cappuccino, latte and macaccino in a geyser installation. To do this, milk is poured into the upper part of the container.

What kind of coffee do you prefer?

Pure taste Milky

Criterias of choice

Millstone electric coffee grinders grind grains thanks to special units - millstones. Most often, the grinding element is made of steel, hardened or stainless, and consists of two cones or cylinders. However, there are models with ceramic or stone details. Devices with ceramics can be quite inexpensive if they are not equipped with a motor, for example, offers from the Swedish company Ikea.

Ceramic millstones have a grinding resource that can reach 1000 kg of fruit, so coffee grinders with such a grinder are more preferable to purchase.

A household burr grinder is considered one of the most optimal tools for grinding beans. The device allows you to adjust the degree of grinding and select the optimal consistency for your coffee machine or Turk. To choose the ideal and truly ergonomic equipment, you should rely on the following characteristics of coffee grinders:

• the maximum speed of rotation of the millstones, on which the taste of coffee directly depends, because too high speeds can burn dry coffee fruits;
• device performance;
• the material from which the millstones are made, their type;
• capacity of the working compartment;
• the size of the minimum or maximum grinding portion;
• device build quality;
• the presence of additional options, for example, a timer;
• price;
• the ratio of positive and negative reviews from customers, etc.

Try to purchase a coffee grinder with an additional bowl for ground coffee. This equipment greatly simplifies the maintenance of equipment and allows you to store the prepared product directly in the supplied container.

How to Prepare Coffee Beans

Before sending grains for grinding, you need to select a variety and prepare the product for grinding. Products from the Swiss brand Jardin, Italian Camardo, Illy and Mauro are suitable for home horn units. The beans are sold already roasted and ready to eat.

If the product was stored in a damp room, then before grinding the coffee beans need to be dried for 5-10 minutes in a heated, but turned off, oven. Wet beans will make the drink tasteless. The particles compress on their own, resulting in a lumpy mixture.

If you bought raw beans, then use the recommendations from the article “How to roast coffee beans at home.”

Expert opinion

Vadim Kudryavtsev

Coffee expert, professional barista and simply in love with this aromatic drink.

Ask the barista a question

Whatever grinding device you use, ensure the desired size and uniformity of particles in the powder. Coffee beans for a coffee machine need to be ground fine.

If you don't have a coffee grinder

The main types of grinding for a carob coffee maker can be obtained without using a special coffee grinder. For grinding, food processors, meat grinders, and blenders are used. But you definitely need to check whether these units are equipped with knife attachments for processing solid food and spices.

Coffee beans are poured into the container for processing solid products and the desired button is turned on. After 3-5 minutes, the brewing powder is ready.

The grains are manually ground in a mortar or using a hand mill. But it will take a lot of time and effort to achieve the desired result.

If using a rolling pin, hammer or smooth pebbled stone, the grains are placed in a bag. The coffee is manually crushed through polyethylene to the desired size. Available tools include a hammer, rolling pin, garlic press, hand mill, mortar, and knife. Find out more in the article “How to grind coffee without a coffee grinder.”

Well-known brands whose products are suitable for horns

Ideally, the ground product should always be used immediately after grinding. With each passing hour the aroma disappears. But there is a way out.

Interesting! How is raf different from latte and cappuccino?

Arabica and Robusta varieties mixed together under the Lavazza brand are well known to chocolate connoisseurs. This is a classic coffee blend that is suitable for carob units. Sold in hermetically sealed bags.

For those who prefer Arabica in its pure form, we recommend the single-varietal Malongo, produced in France. A distinctive feature of the packaging is a vacuum metal can. This preserves the aroma of ground coffee for a whole year.

Products produced in Russia under the Madeo brand are suitable for horn devices. This is also the purest Arabica. When brewed, the drink is of medium strength.

What affects the flavor?

Taste qualities can be adjusted within certain limits using the following parameters:

1. Roasting degree . The light version gives citrus, floral notes; The medium level is reminiscent of honey, vanilla and chocolate. Dark roasts for espresso have a burnt caramel or dark chocolate feel.
2. Drink volume. A smaller volume contains little caffeine and has a sour flavor. The more water, the more caffeine and strength, and the less sour and bitter notes.
3. Fortress . The more ground beans per serving of the drink, the stronger and richer it will be. The coffee machine adjusts the strength based on the set value, and the setting is always independent of the volume of the drink.
4. Dishes . Glass, porcelain, ceramic are suitable for coffee. Metal gives a specific taste. The exception is gold and patina.
5. Heating the drink gradually kills its aroma and taste. So make it a rule to drink coffee immediately after preparing it.

Cooking tips

Warm up your cups

When brewing coffee in a carob coffee maker, remember a few useful tips. They will help adjust the taste and aroma of the finished product.

The process of brewing a drink cannot be called labor-intensive. You need to pour the powder into the cone and compact it, pour water into the container, pour milk if necessary, and plug the device into the network. The nuances are described in detail in the article “How to brew coffee in a coffee maker.”

It is advisable to warm the cups for the finished product. This is done so that once the drink gets into the container it does not cool down immediately.

How to get rid of bitterness

If the drink in the cup is bitter or too strong, try reducing the temperature while brewing. For carob units, 87-95 degrees is considered the norm. This is the state when water is about to boil. Another reason for unpleasant bitterness is improper roasting, when the grains are overcooked.

The preparation time depends on the type of coffee maker. Automatic machines dispense a portion in 20-30 seconds. In drip and geyser devices, it takes 5-10 minutes to be ready. If the drink turns out to be bitter, reduce the brewing time the next time. Another way to get rid of bitterness is to prepare a powder with larger fractions.

Experimenting with roasting and grinding coffee

Some coffee makers' instructions specifically prohibit fine grinding, as it can interfere with the flow of water. In other cases, you are allowed to experiment as you please.

Attention! Whatever variety, grind and degree of roast you choose, the taste of coffee from beans ground immediately before brewing will be significantly better than that of pre-ground coffee.

On the Internet you can find a number of recommendations regarding the choice of coffee, taking into account the most common taste preferences. When trying to find your ideal drink, it is appropriate to experiment with different combinations of the characteristics described above.

Household appliances Coffee maker