Choosing a coffee maker: drip or carob, which is better?

To find out which coffee maker is better, carob or drip, you need to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of both models and study their differences. Each type of coffee brewing unit has features that may influence your purchasing choice. Customer reviews will also help you navigate.

What is a drip coffee maker

A coffee maker is a device that helps in the process of making coffee. There are many different models of such equipment. Drip coffee makers are considered classics; they appeared a couple of centuries ago, after which they have been improved more than once.

Device Features:

1. Modern models are a device with a heating element powered by electricity.
2. The water inside the coffee maker is heated and then passes through a filter with ground coffee.
3. The finished drink accumulates in the tank.
4. The set includes a container for prepared coffee. This could be a glass flask or a coffee pot. However, you can pour the drink directly into the cup.

A coffee maker is called a drip coffee maker because the water passes through the filter drop by drop, which gives the drink richness, strength and aroma. In this case, all the grounds remain in the filter. The platform on which the tank with ready-made coffee stands is heated. As a result, the drink does not cool down.

Today, drip coffee makers are produced by different manufacturers. Models may differ in appearance, volume, power. The material from which the device is made also varies. The price is affected by the presence or absence of additional functions. The coffee maker may have a timer, auto-off option, and indicators. The devices differ in the principle of control; it can be electronic or mechanical.

You should not chase an overly powerful device. The faster the water seeps through the ground coffee beans, the worse the taste of the finished drink. The optimal power of such a coffee maker is 600-800 W. It is better to give preference to models with a glass bulb. If the coffee pot is made of plastic, over time the material will turn yellow, and the taste of the coffee will acquire a specific flavor.

Reusable filters do not mean many years of use. They will have to be changed from time to time. The most durable filter will be made from stainless steel. The nylon version with added plastic is replaced after 50 cycles of use. Its titanium-coated counterpart lasts somewhat longer.

Reviews of drip coffee makers

Marina, Moscow:

We recently purchased a drip coffee maker from BOSCH “CompactClass Extra TKA3A031”. Before this, we also had a drip-type model and it lasted a long time. Before making a new purchase, I studied the reviews. Our Bosch coffee maker is simple and reliable. You just need to put ground coffee in the filter and pour a cup of water into the reservoir.

Preparing one serving takes less than a minute. The drink turns out rich and aromatic. The finished coffee goes into a special flask. The coffee maker has a scale with divisions showing the volume of liquid poured. Among the disadvantages, I can note a rather short cord and noise during operation. The flask and coffee container can be washed in the dishwasher; I wipe the device itself with a damp cloth.

Olga, Saransk:

I used to make coffee in a Turkish coffee maker, but then I bought a Philips “HD7434/20” drip coffee maker. I chose the model for a long time, and as a result I gave preference to a well-known brand. The device won me over with its low cost, ease of use, and the ability to choose the type of ground coffee. You can prepare a large volume of drink at one time. The coffee pot holds 0.92 liters of liquid. I specifically chose a model with lower power (700 W).

It takes longer to prepare coffee, but it has a richer taste. The finished drink is heated to the desired temperature due to the heating plate built into the stand under the coffee pot. There is a water level indicator, so it is easy to calculate the dose of coffee to be poured. I use disposable paper filters when brewing.

A pack of 100 pieces lasts me more than 2 months. For me, this is the ideal coffee maker, as it suits my parameters and suits me for the price.

What is a carob coffee maker

A carob coffee maker is suitable for those who prefer not the standard option of preparing a drink, but espresso, latte, cappuccino. Instead of a filter, this device uses a horn (holder) into which ground coffee is poured. That is why the coffee maker got its name.

The model can be equipped with one or two horns.The second option is designed for a larger volume of prepared drink. Based on the operating principle, carob coffee makers are divided into steam and pump devices.

Features of the steam model

A carob-type steam coffee maker, which uses steam, has a simpler design. Water is boiled in a special chamber. Then a pressure of about 4 atmospheres is created. The liquid is pushed out by the steam and passes through the coffee grinder to become a drink.

These models have a small tank, which allows you to heat the water faster. The taste of the drink prepared in such a coffee maker turns out to be harsh, since boiling water is used in its preparation. Additionally, the coffee maker has a built-in cappuccino maker.

Features of the pump model

Pump models have a lower heating temperature. The water is heated to 92-95° C, after which it is forced under high pressure (15 bar) through a horn with ground coffee.

Due to the relatively low temperature of the water, coffee has a mild taste and a brighter aroma. Most pump models have a temperature regulator. Such devices are expensive. Expensive models can be controlled automatically. They have added a quick steam function, heated cups and other nice little things.

Reviews of carob coffee makers

Natalya, Lipetsk:

I consider purchasing the Brayer BR1101 carob coffee maker the best purchase for the home in 2020. I ordered it from Ozon. The model looks stylish and modern. The body is made of black plastic and brushed steel. This is almost a real coffee machine, which is controlled using three buttons located on the front panel. There are light indicators that reflect the stage of preparation of the drink.

The coffee maker prepares 1-2 servings of coffee at a time, but we don’t need more. After preparation, the horn must be removed, washed, dried and refilled. All this can be done in 2-3 minutes. The model prepares excellent espresso and cappuccino. The foam turns out thick and dense. The milk is frothed using steam in a cappuccino maker. This model does not have automatic control, therefore it costs less.

Ilya, Shuya:

I don't start my day without a cup of coffee, so purchasing a coffee maker was an absolute must for me. I chose the budget model “Endever Costa 1050” of horn type. The model is presented in a plastic case and has a power of 900 W. It does not have a display, heating, or timer. The device simply brews coffee.

You can prepare 4 servings of the drink at the same time. The cappuccino machine operates in manual mode. I chose this coffee maker for the speed of making coffee and the budget price. Unfortunately, the coffee pot was made of thin glass and soon broke; I poured the finished coffee directly into the cup. I've been using the device for over a year and it works well. For such a price this is a good model.

What is the difference?

The difference between a carob coffee maker and a drip-type device is a more complex operating principle. The device with a holder consists of a larger number of parts and has impressive dimensions. For these reasons, a carob coffee maker is much more expensive.

There is also a difference in the taste of the prepared coffee. A carob-type device can make a more aromatic drink with a bold taste. It can also make special preparation options – latte, cappuccino, espresso. Coffee with foam turns out no worse than a drink from a coffee shop.

Drip coffee makers are less economical.To prepare one serving of coffee in them you will need 10-12 g of ground raw materials. For a carob assistant, this figure is 6-8 g. But the preparation process in a drip coffee maker is much simpler and you can get a larger volume of drink. This factor is important if a large family gathers for breakfast.

comparison table

The comparative table shows the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of coffee makers of both types. The lowest price threshold for household appliances is indicated, since the price varies widely.

The taste of brewed coffee is influenced not only by the characteristics of the coffee maker, but also by the quality of the beans themselves. The fresher the grind, the tastier and more aromatic the drink will be.

Pros and cons of a drip coffee maker

Drip coffee makers are popular due to their benefits. Their advantages include:

• affordable price;
• ease of operation;
• compact dimensions;
• large volume of finished product.

Along with this, users also highlight some disadvantages. Coffee from a drip coffee maker does not have a rich taste and aroma. In such a machine you can prepare only the most ordinary coffee without foam. Quite a lot of raw materials are consumed in preparing the drink. Coffee takes longer to brew than in carob machines. Convenient disposable filters have to be purchased constantly.

Pros and cons of a carob coffee maker

The carob coffee maker prepares coffee very quickly, literally in 30 seconds. In addition, it has a number of other advantages:

• the brewed drink has a rich taste and pronounced aroma;
• you can prepare not only regular coffee, but also several other options;
• Minimal raw materials are used for preparation.

One of the disadvantages is the high price of such equipment. Expensive, sophisticated models of carob coffee makers can cost about 30,000 rubles. The device is impressive in size, which is not suitable for a small kitchen.To cook in such a coffee maker, you need to have certain skills. It will not be possible to brew more than 2 cups of drink at a time.

Which is better to choose?

You need to choose a coffee maker model based on your capabilities and needs. If your budget is limited, you should take a closer look at drip-type models without additional bells and whistles. The same device is worth purchasing for a large family, in which it is customary to have coffee together. Drip models are suitable if there are elderly people or teenagers in the house, because preparing coffee in such units is not at all difficult. If you have limited space in the kitchen, it is also better to choose a similar coffee maker.

The carob-type model is suitable for real gourmets, for whom the taste and aroma of coffee are of great importance. Those who want to enjoy a drink with strong foam also need just such a unit. Saving ground grains in this case will be a pleasant bonus. Expensive models have a modern design that will fit into any kitchen.

Having weighed all the pros and cons of carob and drip coffee makers, it’s time to go shopping. However, you can also choose a model on Internet resources by comparing prices for the device you like. Any manufacturer, as a rule, offers a wide range of coffee makers with simple and more complex devices. It’s worth first thinking about which functions are really needed and which ones you can do without.