A coffee maker is an invaluable assistant in preparing invigorating drinks from coffee beans. She is able to prepare a delicious drink for the whole family in a short time, and there is no need to stand over it waiting and control the process, everything happens by itself.
When thinking about which one to choose, you should approach this responsibly; you need to familiarize yourself with their varieties and the advantages of popular models. Among the varieties of such devices used in everyday life, the carob coffee maker stands out, capable of satisfying even a professional barista.
Why are coffee makers called carob coffee makers?
Carob-type coffee makers get their name from the nest into which ground coffee is poured and compacted. It is called a horn, and in a foreign manner - a holder.
The coffee maker can be single- or double-horned. The latter are, as a rule, semi-automatic and automatic coffee makers designed for large volumes of preparation.
Are carob and espresso coffee makers the same thing?
A carob coffee maker is a type of espresso coffee maker. Depending on the functions of the coffee maker, you can also prepare espresso-based drinks in it - cappuccino, lungo, flat white, and so on.
Full-cycle automatic coffee machines are essentially complex carob coffee makers with automated processes, a sophisticated design of the heating group and expanded functionality. In everyday life, coffee machines are still classified as a separate group of devices, and the term “carob” is applied to automatic, semi-automatic and manual coffee makers of the initial and middle class.
Steam coffee maker
It has the simplest design and primitive operating principle. Water enters a hermetically sealed chamber and is heated to a boil (98-100 degrees). A pressure of up to 4 atmospheres is created in the chamber - it simply cannot be higher according to safety regulations. When the water reaches the desired temperature, under the pressure of hot steam, the water from the heating chamber is pushed out and passes through the ground coffee, turning into ready-made coffee. Such coffee makers are sometimes called boiler coffee makers.
Distinctive features of a steam coffee maker
- A small tank due to the fact that the water requires strong and uniform heating.
- The coffee maker does not have a thermostat. The design requires heating water almost to boiling.
- Low pressure, compared to pump coffee makers, up to 4 bar.
- The taste of the drink in a steam coffee maker, according to experts, is rougher and harsher due to the fact that it is brewed with water at too high a temperature.
- A manual cappuccino maker, called a “panarello”, is found in all models of steam carob coffee makers.
Pros of a carob steam coffee maker
- Low cost. Price tags for steam coffee makers start from 2,500 rubles, and for promotions they are lower by another 10-15%.
- Compact sizes. The water reservoir is small, the coffee maker does not take up much space.
- Quick cooking, approximately 2-4 minutes. This is longer than in a pump coffee maker, but less than in a drip or geyser coffee maker.
- High temperature promotes good extraction and strength of the drink.
Cons of a steam coffee maker
- Relatively low pressure - up to 4 bar, for comparison, in a pump pump - 15 bar.
- There is no way to adjust the temperature; the coffee is brewed with almost boiling water, which reduces its aromatic properties.
- Small volume for 2-4 cups of espresso.
- Slight variation in recipes. Basic ones - espresso and cappuccino.
- Difficulty in mastering the operation of a cappuccino maker. Many users cannot adapt to a simple manual panarello cappuccino maker.
Who is a steam coffee maker suitable for?
- Members of a small family or people living alone who like to drink a cup of espresso and expect strength and energy from it.
- For beginner lovers of natural coffee.
- Thrifty users.
Reviews of steam coffee makers
Several reviews from real owners will give a rough idea of what you should be prepared for when purchasing a steam coffee maker.
Irina, owner of the De Longhi EC 7 coffee maker
— A simple and unpretentious model. It seems to me that the coffee is not as strong as it is brewed in a regular cafe, but it is quick and easy. In the morning she is the only one who helps out when there is no time to stand with the Turk. There is a cappuccino maker, you need to get used to it, but if you take good milk and do not immerse the cappuccino maker to the very bottom, then the froth for cappuccino will be excellent. I consider the speed and simplicity to be a plus, but the plastic horn and low pressure to be a minus.
Vladimir, owner of the Scarlett SC coffee maker
— I was flattered by the price. The model was on sale and I got it very cheap. The coffee brews quickly. On the plus side, milk foam turns out well. I see a lot of disadvantages - there is no water indicator, there is no automatic shutdown, the seal of the water tank lid began to crack two months after the start of operation. I wasn't thrilled, but my wife likes it because of its compact size.
Nina, owner of the Polaris PCM model
— My coffee maker makes coffee quickly, almost silently. It is stable and does not slip. The horn is metal, the water container is made of special glass, there are no unnecessary odors. My coffee always turns out delicious, although they say that steam coffee makers are worse. Among the advantages, I will mention the build quality and materials of the coffee maker, delicious coffee, appearance and build quality. The downside is that it cooks a small amount, just one cup. If you buy for a family, it will definitely be too small.
Examples of steam coffee maker models
Models from well-known manufacturers are often found on the shelves of chain stores. Among the steam carob coffee makers you may encounter the following models:
- De Longhi E.C.
- Scarlett S.C.
- Polaris PCM
- Rowenta Allegro ES
- Redmond R.C.M.
- Sinbo SCM
Rating of steam carob coffee makers
You can read more about our rating in the article “Rating of carob coffee makers.”
TOP 3 steam carob coffee makers in the segment up to 8,000 rubles looks like this.
- 1st place – Polaris PCM 4002 at a price of 3990 rub. The best balance of quality, functionality, reliability and price in its category.
- 2nd place – De Longhi EC 7 at a price of 3500 rub. Second place due to frequent complaints about the quality of the finished drink and the high price.
- 3rd place - Scarlett SC-037 at a price of 2990 rub. The model received an honorable third place for its affordable price tag.
Problems that may arise with carob coffee makers
Even reliable and high-quality models can have nuances and features. We won’t be able to tell you about all the failures, but there are problems that are common to many models.
- Water splashes over the edge of the holder. Most likely the pressure is too high. Try turning off the steam function.
- Milk foam does not froth well. Try using a different type of milk, pre-cool it, and do not immerse the cappuccino maker deeply.
- Oddities of work - sudden stops or interruptions. Can't find anything at the service center? Check the mains voltage. Some models are very sensitive to this factor.
- Poor quality of seals and connections. This is mainly the case with cheap models. The only solution is to replace the seals.
- Unpleasant plastic smell. Try running just water through the system several times, without coffee, and then prepare the drink only with fresh and purified water.
Delonghi
The device characterizes itself as a device that has high quality and reliability, as well as stable operation. The internal filling is packed quite tightly and is 19.5 centimeters wide. This coffee machine fits comfortably in the kitchen for home use.
Also, compactness means that it is time to reduce water reservoirs. This model has a 1.4 liter capacity for water and 150 grams for coffee beans. Such values can be considered quite decent. Constantly, when the container that is intended for water is removed, you need to move the device.
The model has the simplest menu and infusions for preparing four types of milk drinks. Drinks may differ only in the ratio of water, coffee and milk. Also, you have the opportunity to set the necessary values for certain items. This is a very convenient function if you are a fan of strong cappuccino or, conversely, weak coffee with a lot of milk.
The device is equipped with 1450 watts of power and 15 bar pressure. A touch panel is provided, which is quite simple and easy to use.
Is coffee from a carob coffee maker tasty?
The taste of coffee depends not only on the type of coffee maker, but also on the selected beans and proper grinding.
We can say that coffee in a carob coffee maker turns out delicious if it is brewed according to all the rules from good beans. Espresso lovers value the drink brewed in a pump coffee maker more – it makes the coffee taste better. At the same time, espresso brewed in a steam oven will be tastier than instant coffee or cooked in a microwave oven.
Many people believe that espresso in a geyser coffee maker and in a steam one are quite comparable in quality.
Conclusion
The best espresso coffee makers listed are an excellent choice for those who truly love an invigorating drink. With its help, you can prepare an aromatic coffee drink without any effort, and in a minimum amount of time.
If you want to be able to quickly prepare delicious coffee, but you don’t have a budget for purchasing equipment, you can rent a coffee machine for a long time.
How to choose a carob coffee maker
What characteristics are the most important?
Pressure
Steam coffee makers have a pressure of up to 4 bar, pump coffee makers - from 15 to 19. The higher the pressure, the better the espresso.
Water container material
It is better if it is fiberglass or borosilicate glass, then the water will not acquire an unpleasant “plastic” aroma.
Horn material
A metal horn is preferable - it’s easier to clean, and it heats up more evenly, so the coffee tastes better. In coffee makers with plastic holders, the coffee may taste sour due to insufficient extraction.
Housing material
Metal coffee makers are considered more reliable and durable than plastic ones, but in practice plastic serves faithfully.
Number of horns
Double-robe coffee makers allow you to prepare more servings at a time, which is why they are often found in office kitchens and large family homes. A regular coffee maker has only one horn.
Additional functions
Additional settings and functions in different models can make the preparation process easier and the finished coffee tastier.
- The water level indicator will tell you when it’s time to fill the container.
- With auto shut-off, you don't have to stand over the coffee maker.
- A removable drip tray is easier to clean than a non-removable one.
- Heating the coffee will help preserve the taste and aroma of the finished drink and prevent it from cooling down.
- The stop button will help you interrupt the process if something goes wrong.
- The drink strength regulator will ensure consistent espresso quality.
- The temperature regulator allows you to select the optimal water heating to obtain the desired coffee.
The volume of the water container does not greatly influence the choice. You can only prepare two servings of coffee from one cone at a time, no matter how big your container is. After this, the holder will have to be cleaned and washed, so fresh water can be poured into the container.
Price
A carob steam coffee maker can be bought within 5-8 thousand rubles.
Entry-level horn pump - for 8-12 thousand.
A good quality horn pump costs 15-25 thousand.
Comparison table of characteristics
A special table containing the main technical parameters of coffee makers will help you in choosing and visually compare all the previously described models.
| Model name | Power, W) | Coffee used | Water tank capacity (L) | Maximum pressure (bar) | Cost (rubles) |
| GAGGIA CAREZZA DELUXE | 1900 | ground | 1.25 | 15 | 18 000 – 20 000 |
| ASCASO DREAM GROUND (2013) | 900 | ground | 1.3 | 16 | 34 000 – 38 000 |
| SMEG ECF01 | 1350 | ground | 1 | 15 | 35 000 – 37 000 |
| DE'LONGHI EC 820 B | 1450 | ground, pods | 1 | 15 | 17 000 – 20 000 |
| KENWOOD ES 020 | 1100 | ground, pods | 1 | 15 | 15 000 – 18 000 |
| KRUPS XP 3440 | 1500 | pods, ground | 1.1 | 15 | 13 000 – 16 000 |
| VITEK VT-1514 | 1300 | ground | 1.6 | 15 | 17 000 – 20 000 |
