What is the difference between a coffee maker and a coffee machine: 3 main differences

If you can’t imagine your morning without a fragrant cup of freshly brewed coffee, you can’t do without a kitchen assistant. But what is better to choose – a coffee maker or a coffee machine? Let's look at the functional features and compare the pros and cons of each device. In recent years, coffee has acquired a completely new status. This is no longer just a hot drink, but a significant part of culture.

Thousands of people cannot imagine starting their day without a cup of hot espresso, a friendly meeting without a glass of sweet latte, or a romantic date without cappuccino. It is not surprising that many people strive to automate and speed up the process of preparing a drink at home.

What capabilities and functionality do coffee makers have?

A coffee maker is an electrical device for the home that can prepare invigorating, hot coffee from ready-made raw materials .
Therefore, to drink the drink, you first need to grind the beans in a coffee grinder, if you have one, or buy ready-made grinds, and only then pour it into the device.

Types and principle of operation

There are four main types :

• Drip. A simple and convenient device, best suited for preparing classic Americano. The water heats up, steam and condensation are formed, due to which the water passes drop by drop through the filter and flows into the cup.
• Rozhkova. It differs from a drip type device by the presence of a holder into which ground coffee is placed. A stream of hot water is passed through the holder under pressure, which is why you get a tart drink.
• Geysernaya. Water heating occurs in the lower part of the structure. Steam rises through a filter with crushed raw materials into the upper compartment. This is where the finished coffee is stored.
• Capsule. This type has been gaining particular popularity lately, as it does not require precise calculation of grain for a portion. The ground grain is already enclosed in a special capsule.

What types of coffee machines are there?

Now let’s figure out how coffee machines differ from coffee makers, and which one is better.

Carob coffee machine

Carob coffee machine
It got its name from the shape of the filter. The water is converted into steam and goes upstairs to be filtered. Moving through the filter, the resulting water is filled with that magical aroma. And this coffee is called espresso.

Carob coffee machines are:

1. Boiler rooms . With pressure up to 5 bar and a reasonable price, but not the best qualities of the drink.
2. Pump-action . With pressure up to 15 bar and more delicious coffee.

What capabilities and functionality do coffee machines have?

A coffee machine, unlike a coffee maker, allows you to automate the process of preparing natural coffee - from the grinding stage to serving it in a cup .

Just a few presses on the appropriate keys, a couple of minutes of waiting, and you can enjoy your favorite espresso, Americano, cappuccino, latte and other types of coffee.

Modern coffee machines have the following list of functionality:

• grinding coffee raw materials;
• adjusting the strength of the drink;
• degree of grinding of grains;
• water temperature adjustment;
• cappuccino machine (a device that froths milk into foam);
• automatic determination of the required volume of water for given portions;
• warming cups.

Types and principle of operation

First of all, coffee machines are divided into automatic and semi-automatic, and only then into varieties:

• Espresso combine . A unit with a coffee grinder makes it possible to use whole coffee raw materials in preparation.
• Portioned . It is necessary to place a tablet in the device, designed to produce a certain volume of coffee.
• Rozhkovy. Considered the easiest to use. To make espresso, you need to put crushed grains in the cone. The drink is obtained by moving steam through the raw material.
• Capsule. To prepare the drink, special capsules are used, sealed in foil, which are opened before immersion in the coffee machine or directly in the device itself.

Convenience and functionality

In terms of comfort and ease of making coffee, carob coffee makers may be among the most convenient, but by most criteria they are inferior to any coffee machine. The main disadvantage is weak functionality and lack of process automation. That is, to make coffee you need:

1. Grind the beans (or use ground coffee).
2. Throw them into the holder.
3. Clean the horn yourself after each brew.

You will also have to manually descale the milk container (if equipped) and the system. Bean coffee machines not only perform the entire cycle independently, but are also characterized by increased comfort. It manifests itself in the following features:

• self-cleaning of containers and automatic flushing of the system;
• advanced control and programming (delayed timers, control via smartphone, memorizing recipes, adjusting the amount of water per serving);
• the presence of sensors and indicators (monitoring temperature, water quality, setting steam supply and others).

The ease of use of the bean coffee machine is brought to the maximum, where only one press of a button is required to obtain coffee. In this matter, the difference between automatic and carob coffee machines is colossal. The latter, at best, can boast of indicators for water level, on/off, and cup heating.

Advantages and disadvantages

To clearly see all the pros and cons, check out the table that will help you choose the device that is right for you.

Coffee machine		Coffee maker
pros	Minuses	pros	Minuses
The beans are ground directly in the machine immediately before preparing the coffee.	High price	Affordable price	The grains must be ground first
Possibility to adjust temperature	Impressive dimensions	Compactness	No temperature control
High speed of drink preparation	Noise during operation	Low noise level	Speed ​​lower than coffee machines
Built-in cappuccino maker		Ease of installation and repair	The foam needs to be whipped separately
Deep taste and aroma of coffee			Using pre-ground raw materials can negatively affect the taste.
Possibility to prepare several types of drinks at once
autowash

As you can see, the pros and cons of these devices are almost polar to each other. To make your final choice, check out the following table.

Components of coffee machines and their functions

1. Coffee grinder (with metal or ceramic burrs) – automatic coffee machines have built-in coffee grinders. This way, you can always make a cup of coffee from freshly ground beans, without the need to grind them in a separate grinder. Impact coffee grinders are outdated solutions. As the beans are ground, they produce heat, which can impart a bitter taste to the drink. More modern ones include coffee grinders with millstones. They can be made of steel or ceramic. The former are characterized by durability, but are louder than ceramic ones, which emit less noise but are more susceptible to damage.
2. Milk frothing attachment – ​​This attachment is available in both manual and automated models. The nozzle allows you to adjust the milk frothing pressure.
3. Milk foaming system – present in carob and capsule modules. Machines may have an independent milk container, but more convenient models with a built-in container.
4. Cup heating plate – To be able to enjoy the full taste and aroma of your coffee, you need to take care of its proper temperature. That's why it's important to serve it in warmed cups. Thanks to the heating plate, which is located on the top of the machine, you will not have to warm up the cups yourself every time.
5. Height-adjustable coffee dispenser - this solution makes it easy to pour the drink into cups of different sizes.
6. Adjusting water hardness - depending on the hardness of the water, which is checked using a special test strip, you can adjust the parameters of the coffee maker.
7. LCD display – makes the device easier to use, while preparing espresso coffee will require pressing just a few buttons.

What to choose for your home: coffee machines or coffee maker

When purchasing, you should not only understand the difference between a coffee machine and a coffee maker in terms of price and functionality, but also choose the type of equipment that is suitable for specific conditions. It is important to consider a number of parameters.

1. Volume of coffee prepared. The principle “a big family means a big samovar” does not always work. A large office requires a solid coffee machine. But for rare family holidays, there is no point in purchasing a geyser coffee maker for 6-9 servings, since brewing 1-2 cups in the morning in such a device is problematic. For brewing any volume, drip and capsule type models are convenient, in which the capsule is designed for one cup.

2. Price per serving. It consists of the cost of the brewing device and the cost of coffee beans. When using a geyser, drip, French press coffee maker and electric Turk, you should add the cost of a coffee grinder. For capsule-type machines, where the price of coffee per serving is the highest, there is no need to grind the beans. Payments for capsules are spread out over time, but the savings on a coffee grinder are felt immediately.

3. Cooking time. In vending machines and capsule coffee machines, the drink is ready within 30 seconds. In a drip coffee maker, the wait for the first portion is about five minutes, in a geyser – up to ten. But this indicator depends on the power of the heater; the higher the power, the faster the coffee is brewed.

4. Service. The easiest way to maintain a capsule and drip coffee maker is to throw away the used capsule or disposable paper filter with the remaining grounds. Even the cezve needs to be rinsed before preparing a new portion. The geyser-type apparatus is completely washed after each cycle. Coffee machines have a large container for grounds, which allows you to avoid interruptions in servicing the equipment after just a few servings.

5. Variability of recipes . We should not forget that modern coffee machines are designed for drinks of standard recipes. To experiment with coffee and tell fortunes using coffee grounds, you need to have a traditional or electric Turk in your home.

Additional features of coffee machines

• Automatic dosing of coffee and water - machines with this function automatically select the correct amount of water and coffee depending on the type of drink.
• Power control – the device automatically selects the appropriate power depending on the type of coffee.
• Timer – allows you to set the time after which the machine will turn on and warm up, and then turn off.
• Smartphone control – Some modern automatic coffee machines can be controlled using Bluetooth and smartphone apps. This allows you to prepare your favorite coffee while controlling the process from your smartphone. At the same time, you can create your own recipes, as well as get advice on operation, cleaning, etc. For example, the DeLonghi PrimaDonna Elite ECAM model.
• The thermoblock is a system that ensures the ideal temperature for every cup of coffee.
• Individual settings - this feature allows you to program your favorite coffee and your own preferences for flavor intensity, bean grind, amount of water and temperature.
• Steam nozzle - with its help you prepare smooth, dense foam from milk, and you can also heat an empty cup to the desired temperature.
• Double coffee nozzle – allows you to brew two types of coffee at the same time.
• Water filter – removes contaminants from water and gives the drink a better taste and aroma.
• Water heating – this function additionally allows you to boil water for tea.
• Self-cleaning program - ensures hygiene and smooth operation of the machine, to clean you just need to press one button, and the device will self-clean and remove scale.
• “Hot milk” function – this function allows you to heat milk and add it to a prepared drink or make cocoa.
• Illumination of cups - with delicate lighting at any time of the day or night you can enjoy not only the aroma and taste, but also the appearance of the brewed drink.
• Aroma Whirl Plus is a system that provides the prepared drink with a rich taste and aroma due to the wetting of ground beans and pre-steaming. The water passes through the coffee many times, resulting in a very strong aroma. For example, the Bosch TCA5309 model has this function.
• The Chocolate function is a treat for hot chocolate lovers and is available for users of capsule coffee makers and some automatic models. Such functions are available, for example, in the DeLonghi PrimaDonna Exclusive ESAM 6900 coffee maker.

Comparative characteristics by main parameters

The table shows the main technical parameters of the coffee machine and coffee maker . Compare them to understand which is best for your case.

Technical specifications	Coffee maker	Coffee machine
Brewing principle	Brewing with hot water	Brewing a pure drink without sediment
Control	Requires human intervention at all stages of drink preparation	Requires minimal involvement. The controls are intuitive.
Recipes	Espresso, Americano	Basic classic recipes and the opportunity to experiment with flavors thanks to capsules
Settings	Minimum functionality	It is possible to adjust the degree of grinding, number of servings, water temperature,
Price	Available. Depending on the type – from 1000 and above	High – from 10,000 and above
Taste of the finished drink	Average taste, depends on power	High taste indicators depend on the built-in functionality.

Coffee maker: features, functionality, price

Coffee makers are distinguished by a variety of designs, small but reliable functionality and a relatively affordable price, especially compared to programmable coffee machines.

Control

• Manual

Most functions in various coffee maker models are performed manually. Ground coffee needs to be measured, poured into a hopper or flask, poured the required amount of water, select a mode and turn on the device. The simplest models of coffee makers do not have a heating element and must either be placed on a heat source, like a geyser.

• Semi-automatic

More complex models of coffee makers have partially automated functions. For example, a semi-automatic carob or espresso coffee maker independently measures the required amount of water, turns off after the end of coffee preparation, supports cup heating mode and other additional functions. Such advanced models bring coffee makers closer to coffee machines, erasing the sharp distinction between classes of devices.

Principle of brewing coffee

• A drip coffee maker passes water through the thickness of ground coffee in small portions, literally dripping liquid through a layer of powder. This is the most common type of coffee maker. Many models, especially the older ones, collect coffee in a large coffee pot, from which the drink is served into cups.
• An espresso machine uses high pressure to force hot water through a layer of ground coffee. The rich coffee infusion flows into the prepared cups.
• A geyser coffee maker heats water and forces it through a layer of ground coffee.
• Capsule coffee makers work on the principle of pressing hot water under pressure through the contents of a coffee capsule. The novelty of the approach in capsule coffee makers lies not in the principle of preparation, but in the organization of the process itself - the ground coffee is already packaged in portions and is completely ready for use.

Recipes

• Drip and geyser coffee makers can only prepare one type of coffee.
• Espresso coffee makers can vary the strength of the drink and the amount of water. Therefore, you can get an espresso or an Americano. Some models are equipped with a cappuccino maker, which makes it possible to experiment with frothed milk: cappuccino, latte, flat white can be prepared in a carob coffee maker with a cappuccino maker.

Settings

The coffee maker does not require any special settings. Even advanced semi-automatic models are easy to use and operate.

Price

• A geyser coffee maker for 2 cups can be purchased at a price of 1 thousand rubles.
• A drip coffee maker can be purchased at a price of 1,200 rubles, for example, the Polaris model with two spouts. Coffee makers from popular manufacturers, with a classic glass storage pot, will cost from 2600-2800 rubles.
• Semi-automatic coffee makers are more expensive. Boiler models that have relatively low pressure, for example, SCARLETT SC-037, boast an affordable price tag - 2700-2900 rubles. Pump coffee makers, which provide pressure from 15 bar, sufficient to prepare real espresso, cost from 5-5.5 thousand rubles.
• Capsule coffee makers will cost 3-5 thousand rubles, depending on the manufacturer and design. The water pressure in the models also varies, it can be from 3-4 bar to 15, but this characteristic does not have a decisive influence on the price.

Taste of the finished drink

Good espresso can be obtained in a regular carob coffee maker with a pressure of 15 bar. To do this, it is better to use dark roasted beans or espresso blends.

Coffee brewed in a geyser coffee maker according to all the rules has an excellent taste. This method is suitable even for medium-roast single varieties that have a subtle bouquet.

In drip coffee makers you can prepare single-origin coffee and even a drink from high-grade beans. They reveal their bouquet well when water slowly passes through the thickness of ground coffee.

Making natural coffee at home

Previously, there was no wide range of devices for making natural coffee. Not so long ago, gourmets prepared it at home using a Turka, a special container for brewing coffee. It is a thick-walled metal ladle, conical in shape and equipped with a long copper handle. This vessel has a rich history , and many people use it to make coffee at home even today. But such a process, unlike automatic machines, is very long and requires certain skills.

To make the process of preparing a flavorful drink at home easier, devices have recently appeared that help automate and speed it up:

Another useful device that coffee gourmets often purchase for their home is a coffee grinder. With its help, you can grind coffee beans at home and then prepare an aromatic drink .

This is interesting! Buy a suitable coffee machine for your coffee shop. Price

Everything is simple with a coffee grinder. But even some gourmets don’t know the difference between a coffee maker and a coffee machine. Let's look at the description and types of each of these devices in detail to understand how they differ from each other.

Key differences between devices

According to well-known manufacturers of coffee equipment, a coffee machine is a device that makes the process of preparing a drink as automated as possible. Here you can grind coffee beans, and the finished coffee is poured into cups yourself. But unlike a coffee machine , a coffee maker, although it helps save time, cannot work without human intervention.

Despite this key difference between these devices from each other, not every manufacturer correctly classifies their products into one class or another, and accordingly, it becomes more difficult for the buyer to choose. For example, some manufacturers call their models coffee machines because of their complex design, which justifies the high price, but their operating principle is similar to that of a carob coffee maker. In some cases, the manufacturer emphasizes the technical advantages and benefits of its products with the name “coffee machine” and it is solely of a marketing nature.

But if we talk in more detail about the differences between coffee machines and coffee makers , then their key difference lies in the design structure, sometimes you need to pay attention specifically to the functional characteristics of the device, and not to what is written in its instructions, take this into account when you choose one or the other option.

Different types of coffee makers

Don't want to completely trust automation? Choose among coffee makers - you will participate in the process, and the unit will help you prepare a tasty and aromatic drink.

1. The most popular type offered by most manufacturers is the drip coffee maker.

Its operating principle is simple:

• It is necessary to pour ground coffee onto a special filter.
• Water boiled in a separate tank will be fed through a funnel, passing through the coffee.
• The filter will prevent coffee grounds from getting into the drink.

2. Geyser coffee makers are no less famous - once upon a time they could be found in almost every kitchen.

They consist of two compartments - you need to pour coffee into the upper one, and pour water into the lower one. The boiling liquid rises and brews the drink.

Visually, it really looks like a geyser and looks fascinating. The downside is that coffee grounds remain. However, if you don’t like it, just use a strainer.

3. The most modern can be considered a capsule coffee maker - you will need special compressed ground coffee. The process is very quick and neat, but keep in mind that these bags are more expensive than regular coffee beans.

4. Espresso coffee makers have many fans. Thanks to water vapor supplied under pressure, the drink is obtained with a very rich taste and is quite aromatic.

Using this steam, you can also froth milk into a high cappuccino foam. A more modern model of this type with enhanced steam supply is pump-action.

5. Electric cezves - mainly because of their low price. The preparation process is identical to brewing coffee in a regular Turk, only it is heated not from the stove, but using electricity.

As you can see, coffee makers are presented in a wide range and they all have one thing in common - the need for your direct participation in the process. There are no fundamental differences in the quality of the brewed drink, so choose the device that seems more convenient to you.

If you want to get a tasty drink with minimal effort, take a closer look at the variety of coffee machines.

Differences between a coffee maker and a coffee machine

Don't think that the main difference is the price.
The main thing here is that: A coffee maker requires your active participation in the process, while most modern coffee machines are fully automated and can independently prepare even complex drinks.

Let's take a closer look at the operating principle of each device?

If you buy a coffee maker, you will have to use already ground coffee.

There are many types of coffee makers: presses, electric Turks, capsule or geyser models. We will look at them in more detail below.

Despite the differences, their operating principle is approximately the same:

1. 1. Add ground coffee.
2. 2. Level it out.
3. 3. Wait until the machine finishes the cooking process.
4. 4. Pour the drink into cups.

In the case of a capsule device, instead of the first two points, you will need to put a capsule.

Would you like a cappuccino or latte? You will have to take out the mixer and beat the milk, and then carefully add it to the coffee.

Coffee machines are much simpler in this regard.

If it is semi-automatic, the only thing you need for a coffee cocktail is to place a cup of milk under a special whisk, and then place it on the stand.

Fully automated coffee machines are capable of grinding the beans themselves, brewing a drink of varying degrees of complexity and pouring it into cups. Modern models can even warm up the pot to keep your coffee warm. Your participation in the process is minimal.

It is interesting that many coffee lovers do not recognize such units - they believe that real coffee can only be brewed in a clay or copper cezve.

How the coffee machine works

What is a carob coffee maker - it is a hand-held device that perfectly prepares Espresso coffee. The principle of operation is very simple - you need to place a portion of ground coffee in the horn, pour water into the reservoir, and press the “start” button. In a minute you will have a good drink. This is actually all wisdom.

Automatic coffee machines are powerful automatic devices with a rich set of functions. Many models have an auto-cleaning system, taste and aroma control, and many other subtleties that are worthy of great admiration. The drink menu, as a rule, is not limited to just Espresso. There is also a choice of coffee and milk combinations. The presence of a built-in coffee grinder allows you to always make fresh grinds. The coffee turns out incredibly aromatic and tasty. Melitta automatic coffee makers are among the best.

Similarities and important points when choosing a product

There is one main similarity between the two types of machines - they all brew excellent Espresso! And this is the main emphasis. So if you are often used to drinking only black coffee , then the right choice would be to buy a budget model of a carob coffee maker . But if you like to pamper yourself with delicacies , and your time is always busy, then it’s better to buy an automatic . It doesn't even need to be washed. The cleaning system is designed in such a way that you only need to press a button. It's incredibly convenient.

The main advantages of carob coffee makers:

• Makes excellent espresso.
• It has a compact size and is easy to use.
• Can cook 2 servings at the same time, similar to automatic machines.
• Some models work with ground coffee and coffee pods.

Features of automatic coffee machines:

• Full set of functions.
• Automatic cleaning and rinsing system.
• Possibility of connection to water supply.
• Works on beans and ground coffee.
• Brews coffee and milk drinks. Whips up airy foam.
• One-click coffee preparation!

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We want your coffee to always be perfect and easy to prepare! That's why we sell you the best modern equipment! Have a nice purchase!

Parameters of quality units - important details

Important parameters in the operation of any coffee machine are:

• The temperature of the water that is supplied to the coffee tablet. It should be in the range from 90 to 96 degrees. This determines how well the essential oils transfer into the drink.

• Pump pressure. High-quality devices have a potential pump power of 15 bar, although grains extract flavors well already at 9 bars.

• The design of the horn in a carob coffee maker includes filters and additional inserts for pod coffee. The material of the cone is also important - stainless steel or brass lasts longer and does not change the taste of the drink.

• The power of the boiler affects the speed of heating the water, and therefore the time it takes to prepare drinks.

• Volume of water tank and grain container. In professional models these nodes are enlarged.

• Additional functions such as heating and frothing milk. The milk block can be built-in or remote. It is believed that the portable one is easier to care for.

Video: Why a carob coffee maker brews coffee better

Internal parts must be made of quality materials so that they do not break too often. Therefore, home coffee makers are not allowed to be used in cafes, since their service life is shorter and the devices are not designed for daily use many times.

Built-in coffee machines and their types

If you decide to purchase a built-in coffee machine, in addition to a refrigerator with a freezer and a microwave oven, then it would be advisable to choose a model from the same manufacturer as the rest of the equipment, from the same design line. Built-in models prepare the drink in the same way as free-standing models. Among this group of devices, automatic coffee machines dominate, while manual ones are less common. Built-in coffee cabinets are usually 60 cm wide and 45 cm high.

Built-in coffee machines are:

• with a water tank - the machine is equipped with a sensor that indicates that it is necessary to replenish water supplies;
• with a fixed water connection - the machine itself draws water as needed.

Ventilation is especially important when choosing a built-in coffee machine. Make sure that the distance between the wall and the machine body is at least 20 cm. Also try to place the coffee maker away from the heat-generating part of the refrigerator and from the oven, which, when heated, can interfere with the machine.