Coffee Makers - 2
from Italian Traditional Food

More about coffee makers

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Continuing the short article on coffee makers

Vacuum

Vacuum coffee makers consists of two glass bowls with a centre funnel. Coffee is put in the top bowl, cold water in the lower one, and the machine put on the heat. When the water boils the top bowl containing the coffee is inserted into the lower one and the water rises through the funnel into the top bowl, leaving a little water in the lower bowl to ensure it won't crack.

The water and coffee should be stirred, then left on a low heat for a few minutes, while the made coffee filters back into the lower bowl. Vacuum types need more attention than other coffee makers, but there are table models, making this less of a disadvantage. Many connoisseur swear by vacuum coffee makers, despite the extra work. It is easy to keep coffee hot in these machines, which are also handy for making large quantities. The glass is easy to keep clean - also east to break - but separate parts can be replaced.

It is not possible to make smaller amounts of coffee in a machine designed for much larger quantities, eg. 2 cups in a 8 cup machine, because the bottom container would not have sufficient water in it for the process to work; but one can vary the quantities to a lesser extent.

Table models come with a spirit lamp heat or an electric heating element in sizes from 2 - 10 cup capacity.

Percolators

Percolators comprise a jug and a basket (for the coffee), to which a tube is attached so that the water can pump through the coffee. When the water reaches the right temperature (usually at just below boiling point in an electric, automatic type) it rises through the tube and washes through the coffee. This process is repeated a number of times.

With non-automatic percolators you should watch for the coffee to reach the right strength and colour. With some automatic percolators it is possible to set the controls to make coffee of different strengths; with others this process is automatic. Both kinds of percolators need little attention and clean easily.

When cleaning automatic ones, take care that electrical parts are not immersed in water.

Many coffee connoisseurs do not like percolated coffee, considering that the water percolates through the grounds too many times and produces a thin, stewed and often bitter flavour. However, percolators are very popular.

There are no problems about keeping coffee warm in a percolator; the non-automatics can be left on the heat, and most automatics can be set at a low, warming heat once the coffee is made, while some are fitted with thermostats which ensure that the coffee won't become too hot and start to boil.

There are now many makes of percolator on the market, usually in 6 or 8 cup sizes. Automatics are available in modern and traditional designs, ceramic or stainless steel. The non-automatics are usually of aluminium, sometimes with a chrome finish, but ones in stainless steel or a flameproof ceramic glass are also available. It would appear that when it comes to coffee makers, the choice is yours!

Page 1 of this article can be found on the previous page.

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