Espresso Machine
Coffee Makers Develop in the U.S.
Afterward, coffee came to Europe and then America. With the drinking of coffee came the need for coffee makers. There came a series of coffee makers. The first of these was the percolator in 1865. It was the stove top percolator similar to the ones we have today. When it was placed on a hot stove, the boiling water was forced up the hollow stem and over the coffee in a “basket.” Many people still prefer this method as it makes a stronger tasting coffee; however, today, they also prefer electric percolators. Another coffee maker that some still like to use is the vacuum coffee maker, which looks like two pots, one upside down on the other. When heat forms a pressure, it forces hot water up into the top chamber where it infuses with the coffee grounds. When the heat is taken away, the pressure is released and the hot water, now coffee, returns to the bottom chamber. Not too much later the electric percolator was introduced; the French Press coffeemaker was introduced as well. Course coffee was placed in the bottom of a straight container and a plunger with a filter in the center was pushed down and allowed the coffee to come to the top. This is another method that still remains popular today.
The most popular form of coffee maker was introduced by the Mr. Coffee brand of coffeemakers. It is called the “pourover” method coffeemaker. Whether water is pumped over or poured over, hot water is infused with coffee grounds in a basket, usually with a filter that allows the coffee to drip into a decanter below.
Last, but not least are the espresso makers of today. The first one was made in France, but did not work very well. An Italian bought the patent and improved on it. After World War II, the Italians concentrated on the improvement of espresso machines. Today, Italian espresso machines and cappuccino machines whether made in America or Europe, or for the home or commercial use, remain highly sought after.