What is the difference between a drip coffee maker and a carob one and which one is better? How to make the right choice?

Manufacturers coffee makers offer coffee gourmets a large selection of different models with which you can quickly prepare several options for coffee and drinks based on it.

Among the wide range of coffee makers on store shelves, considered the most popular carob and drip machines - they differ from each other not only in their appearance, but also in the principle of operation, therefore, the choice of a suitable device must be approached with special attention.

In this article, we will answer the question which one is better, what to look for when choosing and buyingAlso, what are the differences between them?

What is a carob coffee maker?

The carob coffee maker got its name due to the presence of a special nest in the form of a horn, in which ground coffee beans are placed for further coffee preparation. The device is designed to prepare a classic espresso with a dense foam on the surface.

There are two main types of carob devices: steam (boiler) and pump-action. In steam coffee makers, the liquid is placed in an airtight compartment and heated to form steam. After the steam has passed through the coffee powder, the drink is ready to drink.

In the pump model, the water quickly heats up to 90-100 degrees, and then passes through the coffee using a pump.The technology allows you to save all the useful substances and get the most intense flavor.

What is a drip coffee maker?

The drip type coffee maker is electrical device with heater, wherein hot water passes through the filter with coffee and enters the tank.

Preparing a delicious drink in a drip machine is quite simple: cold water is poured into the tank, and ground coffee is placed in the cone filter.

After turning on the device, the process of vaporization begins and the resulting steam condenses in the compartment of the device housing located above the filter.

At a temperature of 90 degrees, the drops flow through the coffee and flow into the flask. At the end of this process, freshly brewed coffee can be poured into cups.

Advantages and disadvantages of carob models

Carob coffee makers are in great demand among coffee connoisseurs, since such devices have many advantages. The main advantages of the device are:

• increased efficiency - the process of preparing a drink takes only 30 seconds;
• the ability to control the water level and liquid temperature;
• the presence of steam valves and an auto-off function - this helps to extend the life of the device and ensures safe operation;
• removable tray for collecting drops;
• lack of coffee grounds in the prepared drink;
• bifurcated nozzle for simultaneous filling of two cups;
• maintaining the temperature of the finished coffee;
• heating cups and milk;
• the ability to prepare several options for a drink;
• tamper for tamping ground coffee;
• formation of a delicate creamy foam with a cappuccinatore;
• minimum consumption of coffee beans.

Despite the large number of advantages, carob models also have disadvantages:

• big size;
• no built-in coffee grinder;
• the need to compact the ground grains in the cone.

Advantages and disadvantages of drip models

Drip coffee makers have a number of advantages over other coffee makers. Among them:

• simplicity and ease of maintenance;
• design reliability;
• democratic price;
• the presence of supports for heating;
• small weight and size;
• silent operation;
• lack of complex mechanisms;
• function of heating the finished drink;
• large volume of glass flask;
• Possibility to make tea or cocoa.

Drip-type devices are not without drawbacks that must be considered before buying. The disadvantages of such devices include the following points:

• high consumption of ground coffee;
• insufficient strength of the drink;
• additional material costs for the purchase of filters;
• the need to clean the device after each use.

What is the difference and which one to choose?

In order not to make a mistake with the choice and purchase a device that meets your expectations, you should familiarize yourself with the main functions, capabilities and differences between the two types of coffee makers, as well as compare them.

Principle of operation and design

A drip coffee maker consists of a coffee pot and a heating element connected to a stove.There is also a water tank, a coffee filter and a control panel equipped with one or more buttons.

The device works in a filtration way: the water poured into the tank moves to the heating element, as a result of which it becomes hot and is sent through the pipe to the compartment with ground coffee. In the compartment, steam is formed, which turns into condensate, passes through the coffee powder and gradually flows into the container. After liquid enters the coffee pot, the heating element starts to maintain the temperature of the prepared drink.

The coffee grounds do not get into the cups - they remain in the filter. Nylon filters are designed for long term use. Usually they are enough for 60 brews. Paper filters are suitable for single use only: after making coffee, they are immediately thrown away.

Instead of standard filters in a carob coffee maker, horns made of plastic or metal are used. Ground coffee beans are placed in the horn, through which the steam necessary to prepare the drink passes.

Unlike a drip device, a carob-type coffee maker has a more complex operating principle. and includes not only a heating boiler and a water tank, but also elements such as:

• holder (horn);
• cup tray with mesh surface and installed drip tray;
• hot water tap;
• steam lever;
• steam tube;
• pump and boiler manometer;
• cappuccinatore;
• light indication;
• power and flow buttons.

The taste of the finished coffee

The taste of coffee prepared in different coffee makers is significantly different. With the carob coffee maker you can prepare strong and aromatic espresso, latte or cappuccino without coffee grounds. At the same time, a stable foam will appear on the surface of the drink, which is considered a sign of high-quality, properly brewed coffee.

If there is not enough powder or it is not compacted enough, the water will quickly pass through the coffee and will not have time to enrich the flavor properties. If the ground coffee beans are packed too tightly, the drink may be too strong and bitter.

Drip device is able to prepare an equally tasty drink, however, when using such a coffee maker it turns out to brew regular black coffee without foam.

Ground coffee consumption

The strength of the resulting drink directly depends on the quality of the coffee used and its dosage.

To make coffee in a drip coffee maker, you will need more ground raw materials than in the case of a carob model. The consumption of ground coffee per serving of a drink brewed in a carob-type coffee machine is 6-8 g, in a drip machine - 10-12 g.

Difficulty and preparation time

Drip devices are considered the easiest to use., because to get a fragrant drink, it is enough just to load the necessary ingredients into the device and turn it on. The preparation time for one portion of coffee in such a device is on average 2 minutes, however, the lower the power of the model, the longer the brewing process will last.

It is more difficult to make a drink in a carob coffee maker, because first you need to carefully fill the holder with ground coffee, compact the raw material well, install the horn in the connector and only then turn on the machine.The time for preparing coffee without preliminary preparation of the components is only 20-30 seconds.

A significant advantage of the drip device is the ability to prepare a large volume of drink at a time.

Functional

The functionality of carob and drip coffee makers is constantly being improved, which helps to simplify the use of the device.

The key features of drip models are:

• anti-drip system, the presence of which prevents liquid from splashing outside the device;
• filtration system for purification of tap water;
• automatic heating of the flask to maintain the optimal temperature of the drink for three hours;
• timer - the function allows the user to program the time for turning on the device and preparing a certain drink;
• turn off the heating at the end of the work.

Among the main functionalities of carob coffee makers are:

• automatic shutdown of the device, prolonging the service life of the device;
• the presence of a display or light indicators indicating the water level;
• high level of steam pressure for rich and aromatic coffee;
• automatic decalcification - the function provides high-quality self-cleaning of the device from various contaminants.

Dimensions

Drip coffee makers are compact in sizethey don't take up much space in the kitchen and they are easy to move. However, carob-type devices can hardly be called too large - their dimensions depend on the presence of additional functions and the complexity of the device.

Ease of use

Anddrip models are much easier to use. Such devices do not require special care, because nothing, except for replaceable filters and containers for ready-made coffee, gets dirty in them. After making coffee Discard the disposable filter and install a new one in its place.

Horn devices, in turn, are less convenient. In order to clean the device, it must be disassembled and rinsed well. Care is also required for the accessories that come with the device.

Price

Drip coffee makers are cheaper than carob coffee makers. The cost of drip models varies from 1,500 to 10,000 rubles, carob price - from 5000 to 50000 rubles.

Reviews

Below are some customer reviews. If you have something to say, leave your feedback in the comments below the article, it will be useful to our readers.

I have been using a drip coffee maker for about three years. The device is inexpensive, convenient, quickly figured out how to use it, and the taste is quite satisfactory. The volume is only 0.6 liters, so coffee is brewed in minutes. But there are some nuances that I would like to change: the coffee is not hot, but warm, you have to change filters often and there is no foam on the surface. You also need to use filtered water, otherwise scale will form, which is difficult to get rid of.

I recently purchased a new coffee maker. The old one served for almost 6 years and, unfortunately, broke. As a great connoisseur of quality coffee, I can say with confidence that it is impossible to make an espresso or latte better than a coffee maker does. Coffee is brewed instantly, it turns out rich, with a pronounced aroma and dense creamy foam.There is only one minus: you can only prepare two servings of the drink at the same time.

Interesting video

In the video you will see a brief overview of the Bonavita drip coffee maker and its operation:

When choosing between a drip and carob coffee maker, it should be borne in mind that drip-type machines are much cheaper and are designed to make classic black coffee.

Unlike devices with a filter, carob models are suitable for people who prefer to try new recipes and tastes, because with the help of such a device you can enjoy aromatic coffee drinks at home every day.