Coffee is the beverage of choice in many countries yet most people do not know that coffee is prepared from the roasted bean of the coffee plant. Coffee beans are the seeds of the coffee fruit. The coffee bean is extracted from the coffee berry, dried, roasted and then processed. This is the instant coffee powder. Some of the beans are packed and shipped directly after the drying process. This is because some people like to grind the beans themselves. It is believed that this helps the beans to retain their flavor and aroma till they are ground.
In the hectic lifestyle of today, many people choose to use coffee makers to prepare their daily brew. Most of us have been brought up in households with a coffee maker. You may have observed that the model keeps changing as time goes by. This is because of the constant development and improvement of coffee makers. Coffee makers are classified into four categories and while the basic function of all coffee makers is the same (i.e. make coffee); they differ in the time required and the taste desired. The four categories are:
• Vacuum Style: This is probably the oldest modern appliance to make coffee. It has been in use since the 1800’s. This maker consists of two separate glass containers that are placed on top of each other. The lower glass bulb is filled with cold water. This water is then heated up to boiling point. Once it has reached boiling point the water it is forced up through a tube into the other glass bulb where it passes through the coffee grounds. The coffee then cools down and moves back to the lower glass bulb while the spent coffee grinds remain in the upper bulb.
• Stovetop or Gastop: These coffee makers are similar in principle and function. The stovetop is made from aluminum rather than glass to withstand the heat and there is an additional filter provided in the lower bulb to catch all the coffee grinds.
• The French Press: The French press is a great way to enjoy the process of preparing coffee. The French press is popular because it produces a thick and rich brew. The French press is a simple cylinder sealed at one end and a plunger at the other. All one needs to do is place the ground coffee and hot water in the press and replace the plunger. The plunger should then be depressed slowly. The mesh on the plunger separates the grinds and the coffee, pushing the spent grinds to the bottom of the canister.
• Drip Machines: These are the easiest and the most common coffee makers. All one needs to do is add the grounds and water in the respective reservoirs and start the machine. It does the rest for you. The prepared coffee is collected in a glass pot and the machine keeps the coffee hot for a long time after it has been brewed.
Hopefully this list will help you decide on which type of coffee maker to purchase. Choose one that will fit your budget and your morning schedule.
For a proper cup of coffee you must grind your own beans, you’ll need a Coffee Mill for that, get one here!
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