Turkish coffee on sand: machines for making it at home

Special sets and machines for sand coffee make the process of preparing this wonderful oriental drink simple and convenient. They are chosen for yourself, if you like this particular method, as a gift (the finished set looks very interesting, and can be quite inexpensive), and for business, for example, for making Turkish coffee in a cafe or even in an open area. We talk about popular machines and coffee makers, their features, differences, advantages, and what to choose to make coffee in the sand.

Types of sand coffee equipment

The devices differ in different ways: there are systems for the home or restaurant that run on electricity or require external heating, as well as special coffee makers. We will look at a variety of options, from fairly simple to the most interesting.

You only need to delve into the parameters if you are taking professional equipment; For a home, power and temperature are not so important; here it is rather more convenient to take a set for coffee on the sand.

Story

Like many traditional things today, coffee began to be prepared on sand hundreds of years ago. It is believed that this method of brewing ground coffee beans belongs to the Bedouin tribes, who saved wood and did not light a large fire, but used coals and sand heated on them. Moving the Turk away and bringing it closer to the hot sand, they heated the drink until foam appeared, making 3-5 passes.

To prepare coffee, they also used a special vessel - the prototype of a modern Turk. It was a metal jug with a sharp spout and one long handle, which prevented a person from getting burned and made it possible to move it smoothly across the sand. Coffee brewed in such a vessel remained hot for a long time, and it was easy to pour into mugs.

Cezve - a copper Turk, which is considered the best vessel for making coffee

Today, coffee on sand is rarely prepared in everyday life, since the process requires sufficient time. This method has been adopted in many eastern resorts, especially in Turkey, where the drink is especially revered, and the Turks consider themselves its best connoisseurs. They claim that the method of cooking on hot sand makes coffee more aromatic, stronger, gives a thick foam and rich taste.

The truly traditional method of preparing Turkish coffee is still used by the Bedouins of Egypt and other African countries, but the average European can appreciate its taste right at home. To do this, you will need a special machine, the right Turk, fresh ground coffee and a little patience.

Electric machines for brewing coffee on sand

All such devices look and work on the same principle: it is a round or rectangular box with a built-in or attached container of sand. The device is connected to a 220V power supply and heats the sand. Proper thermal protection protects the surface on which the device stands from heating or damage.

On average about 1 kW is consumed.
Temperature adjustment 50–300 degrees.
Sand is usually included.

You can buy a machine for making coffee on sand for one Turk and for 3-4 or even more at the same time.
Sometimes the Turks come in a set, then it turns out to be a set. Estimated cost:

Grill Master F1KFE – 11,500 rubles;
EPK different models - 11,000–12,000 rubles;
Food Technologies APK-V-4 – 8000 rub.

Equipment from Russian manufacturers can be found very inexpensively.

Sand coffee machines Johny

The principle of operation of such devices is the same, but they should be considered separately. The fact is that this device is, of course, functional, but first of all – incredibly beautiful. This is a Greek brand, and traditionally Greeks brew coffee the same way as Turks. That is, Turkish coffee and Greek coffee are the same.

Built-in thermostat and precise temperature control.
Aluminum heating element for quick start.
Uniform heating.
Protection of walls and bottom, no risk of burns.
There is an emergency switch if the sand overheats.

The most popular models from the manufacturer are Johny AK/8-3 for daily work and Johny AK/8-2 to impress guests (100% attracts attention).

Approximate prices for popular models:

Johny 8-5 Gold – 14,000 rubles;
Johny 8-3 N – 21,000 rubles;
Johny 8-2 – 45,000 rub.

Look for discounts and promotions, this is a luxury brand and prices are often inflated.

Description of coffee machines

The technique of making coffee on sand came from southeast Asia, where the ancient equivalent of the modern Turks was immersed in the desert sands. Today there is no need to travel thousands of kilometers for a cup of aromatic drink; you can use a special device.

The advantage of this cooking method is that the Turk is heated evenly due to complete immersion in hot sand. The grains themselves and the method of grinding them play an important role. But even under equal conditions, everyone notes a richer taste and tart aroma when cooking on sand.

Preparing coffee this way gives the drink a more pronounced taste.

Operating principle

There are several types of devices on the market. Larger models that are heated from the mains are usually purchased by coffee shops or restaurants. This option is advisable if there is a need for constant production of the drink. At home, a special roasting pan is also suitable. Sand is placed in it, and the container itself is heated on the stove.

An important role is played by sand, which is poured into the apparatus. The best option is fine quartz, as it has the best thermal conductivity. If it is difficult to purchase, you can use a regular one, but it will take much longer to heat up.

Some experts recommend buying sand for chinchillas at a pet store.

The operating principle of the device is simple:

the device heats up - from the mains or from the stove, depending on the model;
the sand gradually warms up in it;
One or more Turks are placed in the hot filler.

It is worth skimming the coffee a few seconds before it boils, but there are other methods for determining readiness. Much depends on the type of grain.

Sand coffee makers without sand

Interestingly, to make Turkish coffee, sand in a coffee maker is not so necessary. Some brands produce coffee makers with the “effect” of sand coffee, with a special heating mechanism. No cezves are used, there is no need to monitor the process.

Pouring into cups or jugs.
Induction heating, foam falls and rises.
The foam is like real oriental coffee.
The same languor.
No human intervention is required.

An ideal option for preparing classic Turkish coffee from finely ground grains with fluffy foam, but without the risk that the drink will run away or boil, all in automatic mode.

Average cost:

BEKO BKK 2300 – for 1 “Turk” – 11,000 rubles;
BEKO BKK 2113 – for 2 Turks – 16,000 rubles;
ARZUM OKKA – for 1 or 2 cups – 30,000 rub.

Almost all brands and models that produce such coffee makers are Turkish, they understand this.

Cooking without special equipment

It is not at all necessary to purchase equipment for your home to be able to brew Turkish coffee on sand yourself. A special frying pan can easily be replaced with an ordinary frying pan. It looks like this.

You need to choose the right cookware. This should be a large frying pan with thick walls, high sides and no Teflon coating.
Pour sand into the selected container and put on fire. In order for it to heat completely and evenly, it must be stirred constantly.
While the sand is heating, prepare the coffee mixture. To emphasize the aroma of the drink, you can add spices or a small amount of salt.
The cezve needs to be sunk in the sand so that its bottom does not touch the metal surface of the frying pan - this will disrupt the uniform heating of the drink and seriously affect its taste.
Coffee is brewed in the standard way. Several times you need to make the foam rise and settle. It is important not to let the drink boil, this will ruin all your efforts.

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In any case, special attention should be paid to serving ready-made coffee on the table. It is necessary to prepare the coffee cups correctly. These can be special small dishes designed for ristretto or espresso, or regular small mugs. The cups must be heated by pouring boiling water over them, putting thick coffee foam into them and only then pouring a hot drink.

At the same time, the accuracy and clarity of all movements is very important so that the coffee turns out not only incredibly tasty, but also very beautiful. When serving, a glass of cool, clean water is usually added to it. Coffee connoisseurs claim that this is necessary to fully experience all the notes of the rich taste. You need to cleanse your taste buds with a small amount of water, and only then start drinking.

Sets for making coffee on sand

Technically, even an electric device can be called a kit, since the kit often includes quartz sand and possibly cezves. But usually, sets mean something else. This is a home equipment to make coffee using sand on the stove. The set may include:

A coffee roaster on sand is the same “frying pan”;
Quartz sand - usually with a reserve, but you can always buy more;
A spatula for mixing sand - you need it to heat up evenly;
Spoon with a long handle;
There are two cezves as standard, but options are possible.

Please note: there is no heating source, the roaster is placed on a heated stove (gas or electric), many models can even be used over an open fire.

Pros of buying a Turkish sand coffee set:

Everything you need has already been collected by professionals. You unpack the kit and you can start cooking.
All items match each other in style.
The cezves and the depth of the roasting pan match each other exactly.
High-quality metal does not deteriorate. This roaster can last for decades and even become a family heirloom.
This is the perfect gift if you don't know what to give a coffee lover you know.

Estimated cost:

Set for coffee on the sand “Tete a Tete” Tima – 4500 rubles;
Gift set “Oriental” – 3600 rubles;
Set “Stanitsa”, 4 Turks – 6800 rub.

If you already have a favorite Turk, you can buy the roasting pan separately.

Special modern devices

The device is a special platform into which the finest quartz sand is poured. It connects to the mains and begins to gradually heat up. When the sand reaches the required temperature, a cezve with coffee is immersed in it. Using this device, preparing a drink takes only a few minutes.

When choosing any electrical equipment, you should pay attention to the manufacturer. In the case of this device, it is worth giving preference to Greek companies, which are the undisputed leaders among other well-known brands.

Equipment designed for brewing coffee on sand is quite expensive and is not always suitable for home use. There are special Dutch ovens for use on a gas or electric stove. Depending on the size, they can accommodate one or several Turks at the same time.

In most cases, the standard set already includes a cezve and sand. If they are not included in the kit, you will have to choose yourself.
As all coffee gourmets know, the best Turk is made of copper. It is best to choose this particular metal.
The size depends solely on how many people you need to count on. Turkish coffee should be drunk immediately after preparation, so it is recommended to choose the minimum required volume.
The sand should be as fine as possible. Quartz has high thermal conductivity and it is this crushed mineral that is used most often.
You can experiment and take fine sea or river sand, having previously calcined it or treated it with steam. But you need to understand that it will heat up much more slowly.

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Where to buy sand for Turkish coffee

This is a consumable item, and you usually receive the first pack when you buy equipment or a kit. Most often, on the same website or in the same store, you can additionally buy sand for making coffee. It is better to have a package in reserve; there is always a risk of spilling or spilling it. Moreover, you will definitely need it anyway. You don’t need to change it very often; you yourself will understand when it changes its appearance.

Manufacturers recommend using quartz sand for coffee; it is cleaned and sifted, homogeneous, does not clump or cake.

If for some reason you don’t have the “correct” sand at hand, you can use regular river or sea sand, or even construction sand, just at a minimum, sift it, or better yet, calcinate it. After all, Eastern peoples have been cooking with ordinary sand for centuries, and no one has cleaned it.

You will not spoil even professional devices and equipment with sifted sand. There is only a risk of scratching the surface of the roasting pan with pebbles or shells, which is why cleaning is necessary.