A coffee maker is a kitchen appliance, which is used to brew coffee. In most common appliances, coffee grounds are placed in a metal or paper filter which is located inside the funnel of the appliance. The funnel in turn is set over a ceramic or glass coffee pot. Cold water is poured into a separate chamber of the device. The water is heated up to its boiling point, and then directed into the funnel. This process of making coffee is called automatic dip brew.
Several variants of coffee makers are sold into the markets under different brand names. Vacuum coffee brewer, drip coffee maker and percolators are some of the highly successful variants of coffee brewers that are widely available in the markets these days. Percolators were first introduced in the mid-nineteenth century. In these devices, gravity pressure is used to bring the water in contact with the coffee grounds for a sufficient amount of time. This process infuses an acceptable amount of flavor into the brewing solution.
The electrification of homes during the twentieth century helped in simplifying the working of percolators to a great extent and made them ubiquitous in American homes. Invention of safe & secured electric fuses and heating elements popularised the use of electric coffee makers during second half of the twentieth century. The electric coffee makers met the standards of temperature and coffee brewing time for the first time in history.
Vacuum coffee makers were first introduced around 1915. Pyrex globes were used in the appliances for the first time instead of the glass ones. It solved the problem of fragility of these devices to a great extent and also helped in making them a commercially viable option. The devices’ sleek forms and simple functionality got popular appeal among the masses. “Mr. Coffee,” the first automatic drip brew coffee maker was introduced to the public in 1972. The device combined aspects of both the drip brew process and the percolating process. Since then, the shape and size of these appliances have changed to a large extent. A range of light weight and compact coffee makers are available in markets the world over these days.
Fletcher Mak is the author of this article. You can get more information about coffee makers and other kitchen appliances. Compare more consumer electronics products.
coffee machines
Filed under Home by miniwash
You may not think that small kitchen appliances should be given much thought when it is time to purchase a new one because they are smaller and generally inexpensive in comparison to major home appliances, which are generally larger and static in that they can not be moved all that easily such as fridge- freezers and cookers.
But small appliances are very important as they give the finishing touches to your kitchen and are things that you probably use the most. And not all small kitchen appliances are the same. With the rise in such clever technology over the last couple of decades there is a great deal of choice. There are still standard appliances available that do exactly what they say on the tin, but some small kitchen appliances have some rather clever features to make your life little bit easier- maybe even luxurious.
For example, Siemens’ Porsche Design kettle is cordless, saving you space and keeping counter tops clutter free, but it also includes a range of safety features. The kettle automatically switches off when removed from its base, automatically switches off when boiling is complete and has a safety locking lid so it can not open when pouring and scold your hands. Boiling water can be very dangerous and with most accidents occurring inside the home, the kitchen is somewhere that you do not want to be cutting corners.
But kettles are pretty regular as far as small kitchen appliances go. For real luxury, why not invest in something a bit more novel such as an ice- cream maker or a coffee machine? For real luxury De-Dietrich’s fully automatic integrated coffee machine will give you that real coffee aroma throughout your home. It has a maximum volume of 2 litres and can hold 300g of coffee beans. It has a coffee bean holder and grinder and is touch control with a cool blue light to give your kitchen a modern glow, fitting in especially well with a contemporary glossy black or stainless steel themed kitchen. But luxury does not come cheap and although this is a top of the range specification coffee machine, it will set you back by over £1100, depending on where you buy from.
So what can you get for a bit less? Well, if you look at the other end of the spectrum, you can still get a nice looking small kitchen appliance that has plenty of features. The Whirlpool built in coffee machine costs just under £400, which is a far friendlier price tag if you are a bit strapped for cash. The water tank capacity is slightly lower that De- Dietrich’s at 1.5 litres and it only takes ground coffee and pods, not beans. It is also slightly more compact and is only semi- automatic compared to De-Dietrich’s fully automatic option. This small kitchen appliance is made from stainless steel which means that it is easy to clean and looks sleek and modern and there is a good £700 shaved off of the price tag to boot.
Of course, both manufacturers offer alternative coffee machines of varying specifications and prices and you should have a look at all of them carefully before deciding on which one is right for you.
Mr Heneffe has worked in the Small Appliances industry for over 10 years. He runs a showroom and website and promotes all major brands.
He specializes in kitchen appliances from Siemens, Neff, Bosch and more
See Mr Heneffe’s kitchen appliances blog.
Filed under Home by miniwash