Coffee Makers
from Italian Traditional Food

Types of coffee makers

Drip or filter coffee makers consist of two containers - a jug and a top filter for the coffee grounds. Some have a centre basket/strainer (usually for coarse-ground coffee), while others use a filter bag (usually for fine-ground coffee).

General information about coffee makers

Water just below boiling point is poured into the top container and left to drip through. The water often has to be added in two or three doses, but new filter designs, with larger top containers, are now on the market and take all the water in one pouring.

Metal drip machines of similar design use cold water in the bottom compartment with coffee in the centre basket, the machine being put on the heat until the water boils, when the machine is reversed to allow the water to filter through. The drip or filter method takes very little time and attention and most coffee experts consider that this method produces the finest, full-flavoured coffee, and that the type using filter bags makes a very clear coffee. Metal coffee makers can give a metallic taste if not kept scrupulously clean.

It is easy to keep the coffee warm in most drip and filter machines, of which there are several types on the market. Ceramic or earthenware ones can be left on a very low, warming heat or an asbestos mat over a gas flame. One new type with a large filter has a glass "jug" lower container which will stand higher heat.

These coffee makers come in various sizes, from 2 -10 cup capacity. You can also buy individual filters for cups, and an automatic drip maker.

Espresso

Espresso coffee makers are a domestic version of the Italian ones which have made espresso coffee popular in coffee bars. They consist of two containers and a centre filter funnel, which hold the coffee. Cold water is put in the bottom container and the machine screwed tightly together and put on the heat. When the water reaches the right temperature, it is forced up at a high pressure through the coffee into the top container.

Espresso machines are easy to manage and need little attention, but they must be taken off the heat as soon as all the water has risen, otherwise the machine may be ruined (the pressure valve can burst and the container burn).

These coffee makers are designed to extract stronger, sharper flavours and, with the right type of roast, make a good after-dinner type coffee. The coffee will cool quickly in the top container so, if not wanted immediately decant it into a hot jug.

Espresso machines are usually aluminium, although a stainless steel one is available. They should be kept very clean and aired; the several small pieces need extra attention when washing. They come in all sizes from 1 -9 cup (4 -18 demi-tasses) capacity.

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