If you love coffee, then you definitely need to have a coffee maker at home. Gone are the days when getting a high-quality invigorating drink was something incredible, and people only drank good coffee in restaurants. Now everyone can create their own mini-coffee shop in their home using just one multifunctional device. Naturally, we are talking about a coffee machine. This device is indispensable for those who cannot imagine their life without coffee, but do not want to drink instant coffee. Of course, you can always pay attention to various Turks and French presses, but a coffee maker is a completely new level, and we are talking not only about the speed and convenience of preparation, but also about the quality of the final result. Nowadays there are a large number of offers on the appliance market, but in this article you can learn about one specific device that really deserves to take pride of place in your kitchen. This is a Vitek VT 1511 coffee maker. If you want to make a very important purchase, then first of all you should pay attention to this option. Why? From this article you will learn why the Vitek VT 1511 model is so good.
What kind of coffee maker is this?
The Vitek VT 1511 is an incredibly efficient coffee maker that produces espresso coffee at 15 bar pressure. It is due to this high pressure that the unforgettable taste and incredibly high quality of the final drink are achieved. To prepare, you need to use ground coffee of any brand. The coffee maker itself has a very ergonomic and stylish design, so it will fit successfully in any kitchen and will look more than harmonious. As for its features, it has absolutely everything that is necessary for a high-quality device of this type. There is both a power indicator and a water level indicator. You can also froth it here to make cappuccinos and lattes. Of particular note is the special cup warming function, which can be used if you were unable to drink a hot drink right away and it got cold. And given the presence of high-quality lighting for making coffee in the dark and a special removable tray for collecting drips, you can be sure that you are purchasing a product of the highest quality that will serve you for many years and will allow you to enjoy the taste of the best coffee in the world all this time .
Now you know the general information about the Vitek VT 1511 coffee maker, so it’s time to move on to a more detailed analysis of this model. Most people are interested not only in what the device is, but also in how exactly it should be used, and this is what will be discussed below.
Models, principles of their operation
Coffee makers require human participation in the process of preparing the drink (unlike coffee machines).
Vitek offers:
- Drip coffee makers. In this type of coffee maker, water at 90-98 degrees passes through a layer of coffee powder and is fed dropwise into the cup. The result is a drink that is ready to drink and has undergone filtration. Preparation takes no more than 5 minutes. Drip coffee makers include models “VT-1503”, 1506, 1509, 1510, 1512.
- Carob coffee makers (they are also called pump coffee makers). They use ground coffee. The peculiarity of carob coffee makers is that it is not water that goes into the ground coffee. Steam is passed through it under high pressure. It is enriched with the smell and taste of ground beans, condenses in a special chamber and is converted into the desired drink. With the help of such coffee makers, cappuccino is brewed, since this model includes built-in equipment for producing foam. Carob models include VT-1502, 1504, 1511, 1513, 1514, 1515, 1516, 1517, 1519, 1525.
- Capsule coffee makers. These coffee makers brew espresso, cappuccino, and capsule-based lattes. Using capsules eliminates the problem of grinding coffee, choosing a dosage, and possible spillage of powder. The capsules contain ground coffee, packaged in 7-9 grams. To prepare coffee, you need to place the coffee capsule in a special unit and press the start button. After this, the mechanism pierces the capsule and water flows from the boiler. It flows through the capsule and the finished drink is poured into the cup. “VT-1510” belongs to this type
For those who want to get the drink instantly, it is better to purchase a capsule model. For those who like to experiment and independently participate in the cooking process, carob or drip options are more suitable. Drip models are the most in demand these days.
All models are distinguished by a special unique design and compactness. They are very simple and reliable in operation, equipped with clear indicators.
Security measures
Naturally, before using the Vitek VT 1511 coffee maker, as with any other electrical appliance, you first need to read the instructions and figure out exactly how to use it. And, of course, you need to start with basic safety measures to avoid injury while using the device, as well as to maximize its service life.
So, first of all, you need to make sure that the operating voltage of your outlet matches that of this device (namely 220-230V). Considering the fact that this coffee maker has a fairly high power, it is not recommended to turn on many other electrical appliances at the same time, so that this does not lead to network overload.
When you leave the appliance, always unplug it and do not leave it on unattended. Always ensure that the cord does not touch wet or hot surfaces to avoid possible damage. Please also note that the coffee maker should never be washed in the dishwasher, but should be cleaned by hand. Instructions regarding cleaning will be given a little later.
General Security Issues
If you decide to independently examine the coffee maker and carry out repairs, then you should take basic safety measures:
- The device must be disconnected from the network.
- You need to work with a tool with insulated handles.
- Water and wet hands are a source of potential danger.
It is not difficult to disassemble the body of most coffee makers. Often it is enough to unscrew a few screws on the back cover. This makes it possible to gradually disassemble the device into units or large parts. At the same time, there are subtleties: on DeLonghi machines, the bolts located on the bottom are closed with plugs or are located under rubber feet, and many Saeko models additionally require the removal of fasteners to remove individual blocks, allowing access to the areas needed for repair.
To avoid mistakes, please refer to the reference information. If the coffee maker does not lend itself to logic and cannot be understood, it is better to look for data on the model on the Internet.
Many devices, in addition to the screws on the back of the case, also have latches that hold the top cover or bottom.
To find such fasteners, you will need a thin screwdriver or a knife, which is used to pass the line of the joint of the parts to the localization of the area where you can press the latch.
How to use the coffee maker?
When it comes to using the coffee machine itself, you should first of all make sure that it is on a level and stable surface, and also check that the water container is not damaged. The water itself for making coffee should be cold or at room temperature; do not use hot water or boiling water to make coffee. Also, you should not turn on the device if there is no water in the container at all, as this may harm it. Likewise, it will harm your coffee maker if there is too much water in it. Always pour water according to the directions on the coffee maker itself. During use, do not touch the appliance and try to avoid the clouds of steam that appear from it, as they can cause severe burns.
It has already been said above that this coffee maker is intended for using only ground coffee, but this point can be repeated again. Other types of coffee, in particular bean coffee, are not suitable for making a drink from it. You need either another type of coffee maker or a coffee grinder to turn coffee beans into ground coffee.
Of course, you should never attempt to repair the device yourself. You can check its integrity, as well as the integrity of the cord and plug. But if there is something wrong with the coffee maker, you better take it to a workshop so that specialists can inspect it and fix it.
As you can see, if you want to use the Vitek VT 1511 coffee maker for a long time and always get a high-quality and tasty drink, you will have to follow a large number of different rules. However, you need to understand that this is simply necessary, otherwise you may suffer not the most pleasant consequences. Moreover, the instructions indicated are not exhaustive. If you continue reading the article, you will learn what you need to do before using the coffee maker for the first time, how to prepare a particular drink in it, how to clean it, and so on.
Subtleties of working with a coffee maker
When using any household appliance, the housewife notices some peculiarities in its operation. To make food and drinks tastier, women use some skills. There are also such secrets when making coffee in the Vitek 1511 coffee maker:
If you like to dilute your espresso with milk, pour the milk into a hot mug before preparing the espresso. Otherwise the drink will turn out cold. This process will be faster than preparing cappuccino according to the recipe. This machine produces excellent cream. But when the voltage in the network is below 200 Volts, then you can’t count on quality coffee. Making cappuccino is not easy, especially for the first time. The manufacturer's instructions must be strictly followed. You will learn how to prepare the drink in detail later.
The coffee maker requires some care. It is necessary to clean the horn filter at least once a month, carefully every part of it. More precisely: you first need to disassemble the filter and clean the main mesh, the rubber seal, the plastic part with a small hole to create pressure, the plastic thing with a built-in mesh for foam.
First use
A review of the Vitek VT 1511 would not be complete if it did not tell us what to do before using this device for the first time. Some of the points you will need to repeat constantly, and some only apply the first time. Either way, this is incredibly important information that should not be ignored.
So, when you just purchased this device, you will need to use it without coffee for the first time. Yes, unfortunately, you will not be able to immediately enjoy the taste of the invigorating drink. But this is necessary to clean the entire structure, and in particular the boiler in which the water is heated.
First of all, you need to take the water container and fill it to the maximum level, and then put it in place. Next, take the coffee filter, place it in the filter holder, and then place the holder itself inside the coffee maker, securing it firmly with the appropriate handle. That's all, your coffee maker is ready to use, all you have to do is place the cup on the tray. After this, turn on the device and press the button to supply water to the boiler. When water starts to flow into the cup, turn off the heating and wait, then turn on the heating again and now wait until the mug is completely filled. Pour out its contents, return it to its place and repeat until the water in the boiler runs out. Now you can safely use the Vitek VT 1511 coffee maker. The instructions, of course, do not end there - you still have to learn how to prepare espresso and cappuccino.
Operating principle of the Vitek VT 1511 coffee maker
To obtain high-quality coffee, use only natural ground coffee beans. Also, fill the coffee machine with purified water rather than tap water, so the espresso will not smell of chlorine.
Espresso making process
Connect the coffee maker to the network and turn on the top left button. After a few seconds the green lamp will light up. Take a measuring spoon and pour natural ground coffee into the cone. Make sure that the amount of coffee powder does not cross the boundary line - the “maximum”. Using the same measuring spoon, tamp down the coffee bean powder. Take a cup or two and place it on the tray so that the hot coffee flows directly from the spouts of the coffee maker. Now on the panel, click the bottom button on the left. Your room will be filled with the pleasant aroma of coffee beans. After finishing espresso brewing, press the same lower left button to turn off the device.
Making cappuccino in a coffee maker
For cappuccino, use milk with a high fat content, then the cream will be fluffy.
Pour the required amount of cold milk into the frothing cup. Press the button located on the front panel of the coffee maker (second in the middle when viewed from the left). First, condensation will drain, literally a few drops. After this, steam will come out, so you need to place a cup of milk under the stream to get the cream. Now prepare espresso in the same cup. Ready-made coffee can be drunk with baked goods or sweets. Some gourmets enjoy cappuccino with ham and cheese sandwiches.
Be careful: take care of your hands when working with the cappuccino maker. When steam is introduced into the cup, hot spray flies out.
Making espresso
If you think that the Vitek VT 1511 Black coffee maker is some kind of miracle of technology, and you will have to study each coffee preparation point for hours, then you are mistaken. The beauty of this device is that it is incredibly simple and easy to use. To make regular espresso coffee, you need to repeat almost everything you did when you first turned on and cleaned the boiler. Only this time you need to pour ground coffee into the filter, and also do not drain all the water. The fact is that now it will no longer be water, but the drink itself, so just make sure that the machine makes the right amount of coffee for you, then turn it off and enjoy. As you can see, you will only have to use the instructions for Vitek VT 1511 a couple of times, because soon you will be able to easily prepare all the drinks yourself.
About the brand
Vitek is the most popular Russian brand that produces household appliances and electrical equipment. It occupies a leading position in the use of its own products in the everyday life of Russian citizens: every third family chooses equipment from this brand.
Vitek products cover all areas of home life: processing goods, making various dishes, climate control equipment, audio and video equipment, hair care, clothing.
The line of products for the production of hot drinks includes cappuccino makers, coffee grinders, thermal pots, kettles and coffee makers.
Making cappuccino
When it comes to cappuccino, things are a little more complicated. You should start by preparing regular espresso. Just don't wait until the whole cup is poured, as you'll want to leave some room for the frothed milk or cream. However, you need to use a special cappuccino tube, which must be lowered into a container with milk or cream, and then turn on the steam supply. As a result, you can froth the milk into a fine, creamy froth, which you can then add to your coffee.
Internal structure of coffee makers
The basis of a coffee maker is a water container and a heating element, but then there are differences. The difference between a drip coffee maker and an espresso machine is described by the operating pressure. In the first case, boiling water simply drips onto the filter containing poured coffee, the drink seeps further down, flows down, and fills the cup. It is important to see the drip-stop function so as not to constantly collect moisture. In espresso, a stream of water at a temperature of 95 degrees is released under pressure, forced through the tablet. To top it off, a special press dries the pomace. The result is a dry squeezed coffee tablet. There is no need to install any additional filter. Coffee machines operate on different principles; there are drip and espresso models.
Capsule coffee makers contain a brewing compartment with a needle into which a plastic container with coffee powder is inserted. Brewing can be done under pressure or without. The first method differs from the second in the presence of a boiler in the design: the water reaches the required temperature, the compressor creates pressure. In the latter case, we more often see the opportunity to obtain milk foam. Stable bubbles are formed due to high temperature steam. The walls of the balls are hardened by strong heat. One difference between brewing coffee and getting foam:
Coffee is brewed with water at 95 degrees Celsius; to produce steam, the heating elements work, reaching a threshold of 127 degrees. The modes are considered the best for traditional recipes.
Pay attention to the compressor: it allows you to brew coffee correctly and get foam. The pressure created is impressive, reaching 15 - 20 bar, more than what is supplied to the radiator system in the fall, checked during the period of technical measures. Manages to brew quality coffee. Espresso models (sometimes called carob models) have a special horn into which the coffee is poured. Then the structure is screwed onto the body pipe, and the handles are tightened with force. It turns out to be a dense tablet through which water is powerless to flow if you lose the high-power compressor circuit. It is possible to brew excellent coffee, not much different from the true drink obtained by the Turks using generally accepted, traditional methods.
We describe in detail the structure of the coffee maker, the types of coffee makers, so that readers can imagine what is happening inside. Knowing the operating features of the devices, it is easy to localize the breakdown. The main types of malfunctions will visit the mind automatically, the internal structure will become obvious.
Drip coffee maker: operating principle
We are writing the operation of a drip coffee maker. Water is taken into the container through a hose and pumped out with a pump. The flow heater produces a fixed power, the pump speed is coordinated with the output temperature. Smart coffee makers have a sensor that monitors environmental parameters. Bypassing the tube, the hot water reaches the upper compartment, equipped with a filter, containing ground coffee. The dosage is carried out according to the readings of the flow meter, or a temporary pump relay limits the duration of the heating element’s activation. Adjustment possible. A spring timer works by feeding the pump through a spark extinguishing relay, or an electronic board monitors the flow meter readings, stopping the water supply at the right time.
In some cases, the temperature is not monitored at all. The portion is withdrawn through a check valve. Then the heating element turns the liquid into steam in a matter of seconds, the stream rushes up the tube, flooding the brewing compartment and flows into the cup. The technique will not allow you to get true coffee, but is attractive because of its ease of implementation. The coffee maker knows how many microdoses one cup can hold. A simple counter, set manually, controls the operation. The absence of water in the tube for the new intake is controlled by a bimetallic plate. In the simplest case, the heating element immediately works over a volume of water equal to a standard cup of coffee.
The drip coffee maker has an hourglass shape and is powerless to prepare cappuccino or latte foam. Repairing drip coffee makers yourself is simple. Inside we will find:
- a heating element;
- water pump;
- control circuit.
There is an electronic filling of the microcircuits - there is a switching power supply that produces a constant voltage of the required rating (+5, +12 V). Efficiency increases. To measure temperature, a bimetallic plate is used, which breaks extremely rarely. We can easily check the check valve by blowing in one or the other direction. The engine is running, controlled by a temporary relay (ordinary RC chain), less often we see a flow meter and level sensor. The pump rings, if the engine is a commutator, the action is repeated for sections one by one.
Carob (espresso) coffee maker: operating principle
Repairing a carob coffee maker seems to be the most difficult. There is not a pump - a compressor that pumps water under pressure into the boiler. The heater is located outside the tank. Outwardly it resembles an iron: the heating element is rolled to the wall of a collapsible boiler. To regulate the temperature there is a bimetallic plate; the tension of the sensor is adjusted with a screw for at least two positions. To brew coffee, a temperature of 95 degrees Celsius is used; obtaining steam will require 127 degrees. Accordingly, the contact of the heating element relay opens at the right moment. The boiler is durable, assembled in two halves, and can withstand pressure of 20 atm without problems. The inlet is equipped with a check valve to prevent water from flowing back during thermal expansion and heating.
Secrets of delicious coffee
Many reviews of the Vitek VT 1511 BK report that the drinks prepared in this coffee maker are incredibly tasty. But not everyone turns out that way. As a result, unjustified negative reviews about the Vitek VT 1511 coffee maker appear. That is why in this article you will find some secrets that will allow you to make the perfect drink, and its taste will delight you every day.
First, you need to buy only high-quality coffee, preferably freshly ground. Also make sure that it is marked to indicate that it is intended for espresso coffee makers. Naturally, any ground coffee will suit you, but these are the varieties that will give you the best drink.
Secondly, you should compact the coffee that you have already poured into the filter a little so that it fits as tightly as possible. Well, the last secret is to choose the right grind for your taste. Some people like strong coffee, others like a milder taste. So a lot depends on what kind of coffee you buy, and not on the device itself.
About small shortcomings
Since the machine operates under pressure (15 bar), the coffee brewing procedure is accompanied by a powerful hum, which is also accompanied by the hiss of steam emitted by the spout of the cappuccino maker.
A feature of all carob coffee makers is the need to wash the carob after each use of the unit. This model is no exception.
Be very careful about keeping the milk tank clean. After use, be sure to rinse it with a brush so that the newly added milk does not turn sour. A clean reservoir should be stored in the refrigerator.
Troubleshooting minor problems
We are not talking about breakdowns, but minor “marks” that occur during daily use of the coffee maker.
- When you turn on the network and press the I/O on/off button, the unit will “blink” with the backlight. If the coffee maker does not turn on, make sure that the cord and plug are intact, and check that the socket is working properly.
- But sometimes the device “blinks” the backlight on all control panel indicators, warning that there is little water in the container. This model does not have a protection function against switching on if its level is insufficient, so before starting the mode for preparing the desired drink, always check the presence of water.
- The milk cannot be frothed. There may be several reasons. 1. Perhaps the milk is not fat enough, or you are whipping it in a very large container. To obtain a fluffy, strong foam, the manufacturer recommends using a product with a fat content of 3.2-6% and whipping it in a narrow, tall bowl. 2. The coffee maker froths the milk using steam, which heats up to the desired temperature some time after turning it on. Perhaps the temperature of the steam coming out is not yet high enough - wait until the unit comes into “working readiness” and the buttons on its panel stop flashing, and only then start frothing the milk.
- The coffee is not strong enough or has an off-odor. The strength of the drink depends on the grind. Coarsely ground powder produces very aromatic, but not very strong coffee. If you want to make it stronger, use very finely ground coffee to put in the cone. If the finished drink smells unusual, pay attention to the conditions in which the coffee is stored. The place allocated for it should be dry and cool. A foreign odor may also appear if there is scale in the boiler of the coffee maker. How to remove it correctly can be found in the coffee maker operating instructions below.
The instructions in Russian will tell you in more detail about how the Vitek 1514 coffee maker works. In it you will find characteristics, external description and tips on some of the subtleties in the operation of the machine.
Cleaning the coffee maker
Cleaning is a very important step in using this coffee maker, because if you do not clean it, its service life will be much shorter than you would like. As already mentioned, the coffee maker itself cannot be washed in the dishwasher, but you can easily place the filter there. It is better to wash other removable parts by hand under warm water, and wipe the body of the coffee machine with a soft cloth and never get it too wet. It is also worth noting that the removable drip tray also makes cleaning the coffee maker much easier.
Typical problems with coffee makers
There are many breakdowns that are typical. It is not difficult to repair them yourself. For example:
- A common problem with Mulinex, Krups, Rowenta, Saeco devices is filter clogging. Water may leak from the coffee maker, coffee may be dispensed without stopping, or, on the contrary, it may flow out in small quantities. The reason is a clogged filter or a failure of the pressure valve built into it.
- Contact oxidation became more and more common as manufacturers began to save every penny on production. Mandatory cleaning and regular checking of contacts is the key to successful operation of the coffee maker.
- Failure of the heating element. Repairs in this case must be carried out by a specialist. Since there are models of coffee makers, the heating element of which cannot be dismantled without damaging other parts. The cost of work and purchasing a new spare part will be more expensive than a new device.
The main part of the repair is thorough cleaning of all components and contact groups. Without this operation, there can be no question of any thorough testing of the electrical parameters of engines, temperature sensors, and electronic units. These actions will be, to say the least, ineffective.
Reviews
It has already been said above about reviews of the Vitek VT 1511, but what are they like among clients in general? On average, the model is rated a solid “four” on a five-point scale, but the reason for this is a large number of negative reviews from those people who buy cheap, low-quality coffee and expect the coffee maker to make it a heavenly drink. If we take objective reviews of the Vitek VT 1511 BK coffee maker, they highlight the high-quality and reliable operation of the device itself, the convenience of the cappuccino maker, as well as the low price for a product of such high quality. On the manufacturer’s official website you can order a product for seven and a half thousand rubles, but if you buy from official representatives, you can wait for a discount of up to five thousand rubles.
Positive reviews about the coffee maker
Most buyers like the VT-1511 coffee maker. This is evidenced by their positive reviews:
- the model is easy to use;
- is inexpensive;
- brews real delicious espresso;
- speed of preparation;
- Coffee is cheaper at cost compared to buying capsules for a coffee maker.
Thanks to the large volume of the tank, the presented device is suitable for both home and office.
