Turk or geyser coffee maker: which makes coffee better, faster, tastier?

A good morning is a cheerful morning. And no matter what the healthy lifestyle experts say, nothing invigorates you in the morning like freshly brewed coffee. The choice of devices for brewing an aromatic drink is huge. We propose to compare the two most famous and affordable ones, and find out whether a geyser coffee maker or a Turkish coffee maker - which is better, more practical and more affordable?

What is a Turk?

Turka is a cone-shaped vessel with a narrow neck and a long handle. It is widely distributed in Turkey. It was from there that it was first brought to the Russian Empire. In fact, it is correct to call a Turk cezva.

The cone-shaped shape of the Turk promotes uniform heating of ground coffee beans and the formation of a fluffy coffee head.

Traditionally, the vessel is made of copper, and the inside is coated with silver or edible tin. Copper has high thermal conductivity and allows you to extract the maximum aroma and taste from every grain of ground coffee bean.

Along with copper cezves, stainless steel, ceramic, and glass ones are very popular. The latest achievement of technology is electric Turks. They are in many ways similar to electric kettles, and turn off automatically. In advanced models, you can select the heating temperature and fold the handle for easy transportation.

What is a geyser coffee maker?

The birthplace of the device is Italy. The geyser coffee maker was first invented by Alfonso Bialetti in 1933.Actually, Bialetti coffee makers are the most popular to this day. Otherwise they are called “moka coffee makers”.

Interesting fact. Alfonso Bialetti's octagon-shaped geyser coffee maker is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the most famous coffee pot. In addition, it is a symbol of Italy.

The geyser coffee maker consists of two body parts. Water is poured into the lower compartment; in the middle there is a funnel for ground coffee. When heated, water passes through it, is extracted, and enters the upper compartment through a special tube. The result is a clean, thick and aromatic drink.

The classic model has an hourglass shape with ribbed octagon-shaped containers. As for materials, stainless steel, aluminum and plastic are most often used to make geyser coffee makers. Both simple models for brewing a drink on a stove, and electric ones with a heating element inside the structure are widespread.

What is the difference between them?

To understand the difference between a geyser coffee maker and a Turkish coffee maker, just look at them with the naked eye.

A Turk is a simple container for brewing coffee, and a geyser coffee maker is a device consisting of two bowls, a filter, a tube and other parts.

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In addition to the fact that they differ structurally, there is a difference in their use and taste of the drink:

• It's easier to use a Turk. All you have to do is pour coffee into it, pour in water and let the drink brew. You have to tinker with a geyser coffee maker for longer: disassemble it, pour water into the lower compartment, screw it on, add coffee to the next compartment, screw on another container, and only then start brewing. At the same time, both devices need to be monitored so that the coffee does not escape or over-extract.
• Coffee brewed in a geyser coffee maker tastes like a drink from a coffee machine. It's almost as dense and flavorful. Cooking in a Turk gives greater richness and strength, but the drink is easy to burn.
• When brewing coffee in a Turk, you have to wait for the grounds to settle or use a strainer. When using a geyser coffee maker, a clean drink enters the upper vessel, which you can drink immediately, or prepare a cappuccino or latte based on it.
• Coffee brewed in a Turk is more invigorating. It contains more caffeine due to the fact that extraction from ground beans continues until the drink cools to 50 degrees (if the coffee is poured into a cup with residual grounds).
• Unlike a geyser coffee maker, a Turk allows you to experiment - adding cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, salt, citrus peels, garlic, and anything else that comes to mind during the brewing process. You can also add spices to the coffee pot compartment, but the drink will only acquire a slight aftertaste.
• The volume of coffee in a geyser coffee maker is always the same: the consumption of beans and the number of servings are preset and are difficult to vary. With a Turk, you can prepare as much drink as you want and change its saturation.
• The geyser coffee maker needs to be serviced: change the filter, rubber seal, clean the emergency valve. It is easier to care for a Turk - just rinse it with water.

Comparison of pros and cons in the table

Very often, people find it difficult to decide between a geyser coffee maker and a Turkish coffee maker. Both devices are considered classics. They are simple, durable, and affordable when compared to coffee machines.

We offer a summary table with characteristics for their comparison:

Which is better to choose?

Geyser coffee makers and Turkish coffee makers have their own advantages and disadvantages. But be that as it may, any coffee maker is a step towards new technologies. To some extent, it makes preparing the drink easier. Even a novice coffee lover can use it to brew a delicious drink in a matter of minutes. Yes, you will have to tinker with the bowls, but you will not need to control the dose of ground coffee, the degree of heating, etc.

Turka is more of a tradition. It is worth choosing for those who like to keep everything under control, who like the historical process itself.

It would also be better suited:

• For connoisseurs of a strong invigorating drink.
• For those who like to brew coffee with additives, try unusual recipes.
• For those who value simplicity and reliability.

It is better to choose a geyser coffee maker:

• For lovers of classic espresso, cappuccino and latte.
• For beginner coffee lovers.

Which is better according to reviews?

Reviews praise geyser coffee makers more. But there are also Turkish supporters. Here's what they write about them:

• Katya P.: “I have the original Bialetti “Moka express”, but I make coffee in a Turk. For me it is much simpler and clearer. In a coffee maker, the coffee runs out for unknown reasons, or the taste turns out to be unexpected. Probably we need to get used to it. But I'm lazy".
• Elena: “I circled around the Delonghi Alicia EMK 9 electric geyser coffee maker for a long time. The brand is good, but I was confused by the plastic bowl. I bought it and didn’t regret it. The case heats up, but not that much. You can safely hold the handle. I spin up the coffee maker without any problems. I spend 5 minutes at most making coffee. This is with disassembly and grinding. At the same time, the taste of the coffee is simply amazing - exactly the same as in small Italian coffee shops. For those who own the same coffee maker, I’ll give you some advice: you don’t need to leave it on automatic heating. It’s better to turn off the coffee maker manually as soon as the bubbling starts.”
• Karina Nechai: “My husband gave me a Bialetti electric geyser coffee maker for March 8th. I just love it - a nice signal, a timer. The taste of coffee cannot be compared with that from a capsule coffee maker. But I don’t know how to cook it in Turk.”
• Arthur: “I actively used the induction Bialetti Kitty for 2 months. I would continue to make coffee in it, but it cracked along the weld. Now I understand why they advise taking cast ones. I’m still brewing in a Turkish coffee maker, but I’m looking for a new coffee maker, this time an electric one.”
• Oleg: “I am an experienced coffee lover. I only accept Turkish coffee. From a coffee machine, a geyser coffee maker, it’s somehow lifeless. The taste is distorted. In Turk, I cook it like this: cold water initially, then slowly warming it up over low heat, skimming it three times, having time to catch the moment when the foam is about to rise. Mmm…

Questions and answers

What is better for expensive types of coffee, a Turkish coffee maker or a geyser coffee maker?

It all depends on the skill of the user.Experienced coffee lovers will be able to brew an aromatic drink in both a Turkish coffee pot and a geyser coffee maker; beginners will find it easier to cope with the latter. However, true gourmets prefer French press and pour over to reveal the taste of elite coffee varieties.

How to brew proper, rich coffee in a geyser coffee maker?

It is important to completely fill the funnel with ground coffee, otherwise the water will pass by and the drink will not be properly brewed. The grind for a geyser coffee maker should be coarser than for espresso. If it is too fine, overextraction will occur and the channel may become clogged. For a rich, thick drink, it is best to grind your own coffee using a conical burr grinder.

The choice between a geyser coffee maker and a Turkish coffee maker is often difficult. Both devices are affordable, and with the right approach they brew delicious coffee. It's hard to say which one is better. Very often they buy both for their home, and based on their feelings, they stop and make a choice. Beginner coffee lovers can be advised to start with a coffee maker, and true connoisseurs should try to work their magic on a Turkish coffee pot.