You've probably heard that real coffee can only be brewed in a Turkish coffee pot. And indeed it is! True connoisseurs of the drink do not recognize any modern devices for its preparation, no matter how convenient they may be. Every morning they persistently brew coffee in their favorite Turkish coffee pot, carefully watching the preparation process. Once you've tried hand-brewed coffee, you're unlikely to want to drink a drink from a coffee machine. In addition, washing a Turk is much easier than servicing an electrical device, and much cheaper.
Therefore, if you are tired of being content with a pale copy of real coffee, be sure to buy a Turk, especially since nowadays the choice of tableware is huge. We, in turn, will try to help you choose a cezve, as the Turka is also called.
Criteria for choosing a coffee turk
To choose the right coffee pot in an online store or a specialized department, critically evaluate its volume, shape, and handle. Compare all the parameters with your needs and habits.
Requirements for the shape of the cezve
The Turkish shape helps control the brewing time of coffee and preserve its aroma and taste. The golden rule of Turkish cooking is: the diameter of the neck of the cezve should be half the diameter of the bottom .
A larger difference is welcome, a smaller one is not. The requirement has a clear explanation - the narrow neck does not allow valuable essential oils to evaporate from the vessel. When cooked perfectly, a foam forms in the neck area, acting as a kind of plug that prevents contact with air.
With the correct difference between the bottom and neck, the walls will be inclined. The tilt helps the coffee grounds sink to the bottom, which improves the taste of the drink. The bottom should be thick; the thicker it is, the more uniform the heating.
For beginners, experienced coffee brewers recommend choosing tall Turks, because in them the boiling process is slower than in wide and low ones. In a tall vessel, it is difficult to miss the moment when the cap (foam) rises as it approaches the boiling point.
To carefully pour coffee into a cup without damaging the foam, you need a funnel - a small spout. Take a closer look at the shape of the funnel; it should not be too narrow, otherwise the delicate foam may collapse. If you are left-handed, choose a model with two spouts on different sides.
The correct size of container for brewing coffee
Connoisseurs know that it is better to prepare coffee for one cup, maximum - two . Hence the second important rule - the volume of the Turk should hold no more than 120 ml, which is enough for a coffee cup of 50-80 ml. If you like to drink coffee in 150-200 ml cups, then choose larger containers, but remember that you cannot prepare half a portion in a Turkish coffee pot.
For two servings you need a container of 200-350 ml, for three – 300-450 ml. Larger containers should not be considered, since it is unlikely that you will be able to prepare real coffee with foam in it. It is better to buy two small cezves and prepare the portions separately.
Secrets of a comfortable handle
A comfortable handle in a Turk is a must, because during the process of brewing coffee you need to remove it from the stove and return it to it several times. The handles are always slightly raised, but in some models they are almost vertical.
High-raised handles are found on Turks, suitable for brewing coffee on sand, but they can also be chosen for the stove. It’s easy to recognize a barbecue coffee maker by its very long handles, but you can also buy one for your home if you like it.
In metal coffee makers, the handles are either solid metal or with handles made of non-heating materials - wood or thermoplastic. In professional copper models, the handles are always copper or bronze. Of the two types of fastening metal handles (solder or bolts), it is better to choose bolts . The solder may break. An alternative option is a removable handle (screwed or inserted).
If the handle is wooden, then it should be well secured. Wood tends to dry out and swell, so if there are no rivets, the handle will begin to wobble, and in the worst case, it will fall out and the Turk will end up on the floor or on the slab.
In ceramic and fireclay cezves, it is better if the handles are cast and hollow inside .
This way they will never become loose and will not get too hot due to the emptiness. In metal Turks, the wood should not be located too close to the body, otherwise there is a risk of burning.
Options for metal turks
The choice of material determines the coffee brewing time and its strength. In metal vessels, cooking is faster, while in ceramic vessels the process takes longer. It is important to consider that the longer a coffee drink is brewed, the more intense it becomes. And it’s not just about the taste and aroma, longer cooking releases more caffeine.
Advantages and weaknesses of copper
More than half of coffee ceremony lovers claim that the best coffee pot is a copper one. Copper cookware is suitable for cooking on gas and electric stoves, as well as for cooking on sand using special equipment or improvised means. Why is copper so popular among coffee lovers?
There are several reasons for this:
- Flexibility - copper can be used to create a vessel of the desired shape of any complexity.
- High thermal conductivity - heats up quickly and evenly, which contributes to proper heating of the water inside.
- Cools quickly - it’s easy to regulate the preparation by periodically removing the coffee from the stove so that the foam does not rise.
- Resistance to high temperatures - does not melt on a gas stove, even if you get distracted and forget about cooking. Suitable for sand and charcoal grills.
- Durability - withstands loads and falls on a tiled floor.
However, copper is too soft a metal, so dishes are rarely made from it in its pure form. Strength and hardness are provided by additives.
Turks for brewing coffee are made from thin and thick copper , of different types and using different technologies:
- Stamping is an inexpensive segment, production is automatic. The bottom is made thicker and the neck narrowed. A stamped coffee maker always has a weld seam. It is important that it is of high quality, otherwise oxidation cannot be avoided.
- Forging - products are obtained in one piece without seams or rivets. The bottom is always thicker than the walls, often made of several sheets of metal.
- Forging with overlay embossing - the inner part is made of one smooth sheet, and the outer part is made of another, pre-decorated with embossing. As a result, the inner surface is smooth and does not cause problems in maintenance.
Despite all the advantages of copper cookware, it tends to oxidize, so direct contact with food should not be allowed. There must be a protective coating . In budget models it is made of food-grade tin or stainless steel, in more expensive ones – from silver. The silvering of the inner surface gives the vessel additional value.
In online stores and shopping centers you can buy copper cezves made in Russia, India, Turkey, and Armenia. The Armenian coffee pot is considered the best in the copper line, since the production technology involves double walls . Craftsmen take two sheets - with decor (chasing, forging, engraving) and internal ones - and forge thick-walled dishes from them.
The price of Turks for handmade coffee from Armenia starts from one and a half thousand, but they are worth it, as they are real works of art. For a gift, it’s easy to choose a coffee maker with a themed inscription or design.
Inexpensive Turkish cezves made from copper are thinner because they are designed to be cooked in the sand rather than on the stove. Turks made of thin copper often look sloppy and flimsy.
Shiny copper coffee makers are beautiful only in the first months. If you want more practical cookware, choose a Turk with a patina effect or with a darkened embossing for daily coffee brewing. These retain their decorative properties longer.
Features of brass Turks
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. Other metals are also added to brass in small quantities: iron, tin, aluminum. Brass coffee pots are similar to copper ones in appearance and properties, but they are thicker-walled and harder.
Some sellers pass off brass utensils as copper, despite the fact that copper is much more expensive. To avoid mistakes, take a closer look at the color. Copper is more red, and brass is yellow. The more zinc, the yellower the shade.
Advantages of brass cezves:
- affordable price;
- good thermal conductivity;
- variety of shapes and volumes.
Brass is harder than copper, but more brittle , so be careful not to drop or knock it. It is important to consider that with rare use there is a risk of oxidation of the tin-coated internal walls. The brass Turk is more suitable for frequent use.
Bronze coffee makers and their features
Bronze is an alloy of copper with tin or aluminum; the metal is not cheap, but durable and resistant to corrosion. The color of bronze utensils varies from yellowish-golden to silver. The more additives in copper, the lighter the alloy.
Bronze Turks for brewing coffee have lower thermal conductivity than copper ones. They take longer to heat up and take longer to cool down. Therefore, you need to get used to it so that the coffee does not run away, since cooking will continue even after removal from the stove.
Coffee makers are not made from bronze on an industrial scale, but they are made by small enterprises and artisanal craftsmen. To choose high-quality and safe utensils for brewing coffee, inspect the seams and the inner surface - everything should be sanded and polished.
Why coffee lovers are against steel
Steel coffee turks are unpretentious and easy to maintain. Stainless steel is not afraid of temperature changes, does not emit harmful substances and does not in any way affect the taste and aroma of the drink. And one more plus - steel cookware is ideal for induction cookers. However, no coffee connoisseur who respects himself and his guests will buy a steel cezve.
Steel has one significant drawback - it is impossible to make a vessel of complex configuration from this metal. Take a closer look at the stainless steel cezves - they all have a wide neck . And if you carefully study the requirements for the shape of the Turks, you understand that the neck should be narrow.
In addition to chrome-plated stainless steel, there are carbon steel coffee makers coated with enamel on sale. True coffee lovers don’t even look in the direction of such a Turk - both the shape does not match and the volume is large. Another disadvantage is that the liquid in an enamel coffee maker heats up unevenly, so the drink turns out tasteless.
In order not to write off enamel pots at all, we recommend them for boiling water for instant coffee. You can also brew herbs or tea in such a container. You can’t boil milk, it will burn.
Disadvantages of inexpensive aluminum Turks
Aluminum coffee pots are inexpensive, so they attract attention in the store first of all. But don’t rush to go to the cash register, this cezve has a lot of weaknesses:
- Irregular shape - aluminum will not make a classic Turk with a wide bottom and a narrow neck. Light weight makes the cookware unstable.
- Aluminum is a porous material, so the Turka absorbs the aromas of the drink and preserves them. This is not always good if you brew different types and types of coffee.
- Too high thermal conductivity contributes to rapid and uneven heating of the contents. This means that the golden rule of preparation is violated - good coffee takes a long time to brew.
- Aluminum does not like interaction with acids, and coffee has a high content of various acids. As a result, the drink acquires an unpleasant metallic taste, and the dishes darken and become unattractive.
The line of aluminum coffee makers includes models with non-stick coating. In this case, darkening and absorption of the aromatic coffee oil are prevented. But a wide neck still spoils the picture. It is better to buy a coated aluminum cezve for making coffee drinks, but not for real oriental coffee.
Practicality and luxury of a silver cezve
A luxurious silver Turk can be given as a gift for a silver wedding or as a gift to a person who has everything. A silver cezve has no practical advantage; rather, it is an element of luxury that requires careful treatment and special regular care.
Products made from high sterling silver (960, 925) are expensive and are more often used for interior decoration and gifts. Most coffee turks are made from alloys 800 and 825. Affordable coffee makers are only silver on the outside, with copper or brass hidden inside.
Oxidized products are more decorative and less difficult to care for. This kind of silver is dark and does not turn black in the air. It cannot be cleaned or washed with any solutions intended for uncoated jewelry.
You should not expect healing properties from coffee made from a silver cezve, since the preparation time is too short for the water to be saturated with beneficial ions.
Cezves made of other materials
In addition to metals, clay, ceramics, glass and quartz are used to make coffee Turks. The assortment is huge - from everyday to designer models.
Why clay is attractive
The clay pot is suitable for brewing coffee on all types of stoves, except induction. The material used for production is fireclay - fireproof clay, which is fired in ovens until it loses its plasticity. Products are covered with glaze or simply polished.
Clay has low thermal conductivity - it heats up very slowly and takes a long time to cool down. There are both pros and cons to brewing coffee:
- On the one hand, the water takes a long time to heat up, allowing the ground coffee to release all its “juices” and oils.
- But on the other hand, heated walls do not cool down as quickly as metal ones and continue to heat the contents.
Thanks to its special thermal conductivity, clay produces the right coffee pot, the preparation of which is as close as possible to cooking on sand. Fireclay Turks retain heat well, so the coffee stays hot for a long time.
Beginners often run out of coffee, not on the stove, but in their hands. To prevent this from happening, keep a metal spoon chilled in the freezer on hand. At a critical moment , dip a spoon into the coffee , the temperature will instantly drop and the foam will subside.
Clay without glaze is a porous material that absorbs not only moisture, but also odors. Gourmets recommend brewing one variety or similar varieties in a clay coffee maker. You should not prepare flavored coffee, as this aroma may remain and work next time.
A clay cezve will last a long time if you follow the operating instructions. Be sure to use a divider on a gas stove. Do not expose the vessel to sudden changes in temperature. If you do not use the coffee maker for a long time, periodically pour water into it.
Ceramic and porcelain products
A ceramic coffee pot is practically no different in properties from a clay pot, but it contains mineral and other additives that increase the strength and improve the consumer properties of the cookware. The price of ceramic cezves depends on the raw materials and decoration - from 150 rubles to several thousand.
The surface of ceramic coffee makers is coated with glaze, neutralizing porosity. Hand-painted products look original. Turks look stylish with a brown matte surface. Interesting three-dimensional patterns made using the modeling technique.
All ceramic group dishes should not be subjected to sudden changes in temperature, that is, placing them hot on a cold table or pouring cold water immediately after pouring coffee to wash them.
Porcelain is a thinner type of ceramic with low water absorption, obtained by high-temperature firing of high-quality clay with various additives. Porcelain coffee pots are made from heat-resistant porcelain . They are very beautiful and elegant.
Unusual figured coffee makers are created from porcelain with outer walls in the form of animals, chess, geometric and other figures. The inside walls are always smooth and inclined. In color they come not only white, but also in other shades, including black.
Are glass coffee makers worth buying?
Stylish clear glass cezves are popular among owners of glass-ceramic stoves. Glass Turks are made of heat-resistant glass, so they can be safely placed on the stove, protected from the flame with a divider. Glass has significant advantages:
- Practicality - does not darken, does not rust, does not become covered with plaque, and is easy to clean.
- Inertness – does not absorb odors and tastes, does not oxidize.
- Transparency – it is convenient to observe the cooking process.
- Functionality - you can brew coffee with water or milk, with chocolate or honey, nothing will burn or stick.
But don’t rush to think that this is the best Turk for making coffee. Thin glass walls promote rapid boiling , which makes the cooking process short-term. If you cook it too quickly, the essential oils do not have time to release, so the drink is not as tasty and aromatic. To counteract this drawback, experts recommend adding more ground coffee.
Most cezves made of heat-resistant glass have a wide neck that releases the valuable aroma out. When choosing, look for models with a narrow neck. Most often, this line is dominated by volumes from 350 ml, so it is not advisable to buy for one serving.
Glassware requires careful handling and does not tolerate temperature contrasts. It cannot be heated without liquid, as some recipes recommend. If you brew coffee five times a day, it is better to have such a cezve as an additional one.
Turks from mountain quartz
Quartz Turks for making Turkish coffee appeared not so long ago, so they still cause distrust and surprise. It is based on specially processed mountain quartz , which is not afraid of heat. The material allows you to give the products any shape, so the coffee makers come out as they should - with a narrow neck.
In appearance, a quartz cezve is similar to a crystal one. But quartz is not afraid of high temperatures and changes in temperature, like crystal. This beautiful mineral has antiseptic and healing properties, which brings it closer to silver.
Rock quartz cookware heats up as quickly and evenly as copper, and retains heat like ceramics or clay. Transparent Turk is a godsend for beginners. Through the walls you can observe the rise of the foam and control the process.
Quartz cezves look very original, they are ideal for gifts, romantic evenings and everyday use. The line includes volumes for one or two cups. The handles are made hollow to reduce heat.
The best copper turks
To prepare a truly tasty and aromatic drink, you need to meet two conditions - choose a coffee pot made from the right material and use coffee beans, tarring them immediately before brewing. Most connoisseurs of the invigorating drink agree that copper is the only material that helps not only preserve, but also reveal the true taste of coffee beans. Copper pots heat up evenly, release heat correctly, and prevent rapid boiling of the drink at the bottom of the pot.
Selection tips for different types of slabs
The debate about which coffee pot is better - copper, ceramic or steel - will never end. The reason is not only that each locality has its own methods of preparing the drink, but also different types of stoves. And if some materials are more suitable for an electric stove, then others are needed for gas burners.
For a gas stove, you can safely choose any metal coffee maker - copper, steel, brass, bronze. But a beautiful decorative coating can get burned, so you shouldn’t put a designer cezve on the fire, use a flame spreader without holes.
With a flame diffuser for gas, you can also buy a Turk made of heat-resistant ceramics, clay, porcelain, glass. If you want something unusual, choose a transparent quartz cezve. It has been proven that quartz is not afraid of flames, but it is better to be on the safe side.
for glass-ceramic hobs, but make sure that the bottom is even and smooth. You can get several cezves for different occasions and recipes. It is best to brew coffee on the edge of a large burner, moving the handle beyond.
A coffee Turk for an induction cooker must be made entirely of steel or have a ferromagnetic bottom . When choosing, pay attention to the compatibility of the model with an induction cooker. Another option is to purchase an adapter for an induction surface. There are special small circles for coffee.
If you have an old-style electric stove , then choose a metal cezve so that you can place it on a heated surface without risk.
The best Turk for making coffee on sand is a thin-walled copper one. You can also choose brass or bronze. It is better not to consider other materials. It is important here that the handle is vertical, because the entire body needs to be immersed in hot sand.
How to choose a Turk for an induction cooker?
Like all cookware for induction cookers, the cezve should consist of a ferromagnetic metal - stainless or enameled steel. Those who like cezves made of other materials, such as copper or ceramics, have 2 options:
- Buy a special adapter . Such devices are not cheap and are not easy to find.
- Instead of using an adapter, use a regular steel frying pan or suitable cookware made of another material with an induction bottom.
Before you buy a Turk, it is best to familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s minimum requirements for the diameter of the bottom of cookware intended for an induction cooker.
General recommendations for selection
If, after studying the theory, you still haven’t made your choice and don’t know which Turk is best to buy for brewing coffee on the stove, then use these general tips.
If you have never brewed coffee in a cezve, choose a tall metal one (copper or brass) with a narrow neck. This will increase the likelihood that the foam will not escape. It is also good to learn how to brew coffee in transparent quartz Turks, observing the internal processes.
To get a tasty and rich drink on the stove, buy a ceramic, porcelain or clay Turk. In such dishes you get a “sand effect”. If you plan to cook different varieties, then clay without glaze will not work. It is more correct to have a separate cezve for flavored types. Remember that in ceramics it is more difficult to control the cooking.
To make coffee with milk, it is better to get a glass coffee maker. It is also suitable for various experiments with chocolate, juices and other additives. A quartz cezve is suitable for these tasks, but its price is several times higher.
To choose a high-quality Turk, carefully inspect it outside and inside, make sure the integrity of the body and coating. It is especially critical to inspect handicraft products sold at fairs and market stalls.
What types of coffee pots are there?
Turka or cezve in Arabic is a product in the form of an elongated bowl with a narrow neck and a wide bottom. The device is designed for preparing espresso while maintaining a noble taste and aroma. But not all Turks produce equally refined and fragrant coffee. To avoid mistakes when choosing, it is enough to know the characteristics of the materials from which this cookware is made.
Types of Turks:
- Clay.
These are handmade products. Due to its low thermal conductivity properties, clay can take a long time to heat up. In such a vessel, the essence remains warm for a long time. Due to this, the magical drink is revealed correctly and the taste becomes rich and tart.
Advantages:
- Coffee acquires a noble shade of astringency;
- Clay objects are unique.
Flaws:
- It is necessary to protect it from falls and impacts;
- Since clay absorbs odors over time, the bowl is suitable for brewing one type of coffee.
Despite the huge selection of modern coffee makers, many gourmets strive to buy a coffee pot in order to prepare their favorite drink in full accordance with ancient traditions. In fact, these days coffee grinders are not only useful, but also status accessories that can tell about the subtle classic taste of their owner. For several centuries, clay, brass, steel and even silver Turks were in use. The store or market where such important kitchen appliances were sold resembled a real museum. A copper pot for coffee has always been considered one of the best options - it was durable and very elegant, and the drink in it turned out surprisingly tasty. But many connoisseurs are convinced that ceramic Turks are much better. Ideally, all family members should have their own coffee pot. The Boffo boutique offers a wide variety of cezves.
Review of interesting Turks from online stores
We do not take responsibility for rating Turkish coffee and choosing the best one, but just want to show you some interesting options.
The stylish “Moskovskaya” pot made of heat-resistant porcelain with a wooden handle is suitable for gas and electric stoves. The model is presented in different volumes. Made in Russia.
The original white copper cezve with a long handle is suitable for stoves and cooking on sand. Volume – 120 ml, for one or two very small coffee cups.
A good gift is a silver-plated copper pot on a tray with a long coffee spoon. The handles are made of wood that is resistant to moisture and swelling. Silver coating protects against oxidation and absorption of fragrant oils.
A 120 ml miniature Turk with “Grapes” stamping is suitable for everyday use. The bottom is thickened due to an additional sheet. Made in Pyatigorsk.
The “Tete-a-Tete” set for making coffee on sand includes two copper Turks for one cup, a container for sand, a long coffee spoon, fine cleaned sand and a spatula for mixing it. . There are the same sets for four servings.
This new product on the coffee market will appeal to those who love coffee on sand, but don’t want to buy bulky sets with stands. Inside the thickened bottom of this copper Topteas Turk there is fine sand , which provides the same gradual heating, the desired temperature and long-term cooling. The grains of sand do not crumble and take up little space. Volume 400 ml. This coffee lover's dream is produced in Armenia.
Steel Turks GiPFEL for induction cookers are made of stainless steel. The manufacturer took care of a narrower neck and inclined walls. The heat-insulating handle does not heat up during the cooking process. The set includes three cezves of different volumes from 170 to 680 ml.
It will not be difficult to find even more different models in online stores. Give preference to factory-made products or handicrafts with a good reputation.
Now you can imagine how to choose a coffee pot correctly and without mistakes, all that remains is to decide on the model and make a purchase. And if it’s difficult to settle on the best one, buy two or three. In the household of a coffee lover, everything is useful!
Comparison of characteristics
| Model | price, rub. | Volume, ml | Height (cm) | Material | Rating |
| GIPFEL "Maree 5576" | 682-1461 | 500 | 10 | Stainless steel | 10 |
| TimA “Tale of the East SV-200” | 600-800 | 200 | 13 | Copper | 9,8 |
| Mallony "CW-850C" | 800 | 850 | 12 | Stainless steel | 9,7 |
| Ceraflame "Ibriks Hammered" | 2190 | 500 | 10 | Ceramics | 9,6 |
| Fissman "3310" | 1250 | 720 | 11 | Steel | 8,9 |
| Ceraflame "Ibriks" | 1659 | 250 | 9 | Ceramics | 8,5 |
| Village "Spring" | 620 | 300 | 12 | Copper | 8,3 |
