What is better: a thermoblock or a boiler in a coffee machine?
The thermoblock and the boiler are two fundamentally different solutions for heating water in a coffee machine. They differ in purpose (for household and professional devices), heating speed and volume of the final product. Thermoblocks can produce small amounts of coffee very quickly. Boilers are usually installed in large professional coffee machines.
The content of the article
Description of the thermoblock
Operating principle, brief definition
Thermoblock is a heating mechanism that takes cold water from the coffee machine’s reservoir in small portions (15-25 ml) and heats it as needed.
Structurally, it is made of two metal blocks welded together. One part of the block forms labyrinth-shaped passages through which water flows.
The other part is a system of powerful electric heating elements. Cold water, as it moves through the labyrinth, instantly heats up to the desired temperature and enters the brewing compartment of the coffee machine, from where the ready-made foamy drink oozes into the cup.
Characteristics of this type of water heater
Thermoblocks can be made from various metals such as steel, aluminum or brass. Each metal has its pros and cons.
Stainless steel thermoblock housings are the most resistant to the formation of microcracks, but are susceptible to scale deposits when heated. This requires more frequent maintenance of the coffee machine.
Aluminum cases retain heat better than others, do not accumulate deposits, but are most susceptible to thermal destruction. Thermoblock bodies, made of brass, are located in the middle. Unlike aluminum, they are less damaged due to temperature fluctuations, but retain heat less well and accumulate deposits.
Important! Coffee machines with aluminum thermoblocks are undesirable for people suffering from kidney failure. A small dose of aluminum with each new cup of coffee can cause damage to your health.
Examples of manufacturers of coffee machines with a thermoblock
Coffee machines equipped with thermoblocks are present in the model range of such manufacturers as Delonghi, Jura, Philips, Krups, Scarlett and others.
What is a boiler?
Short description
The boiler is a metal chamber for water with a heating element located at the bottom of the chamber. Boiler-equipped coffee machines are ideal for commercial or industrial use where greater productivity is required.
Boiler device allows you to heat and maintain a significant volume of water in a hot state. Thanks to this, the efficiency of the coffee machine in public places increases. However, recently, manufacturers have begun to equip coffee machines intended for domestic use with small boilers.
Operating principle
The spiral filament of the heating element converts electrical energy into thermal energy, thereby heating the water in the boiler. The required volume of heated water is supplied through a special valve into the brewing compartment, and from there into the cup.
Manufacturers and brands of coffee machines with boiler
There are 3 main types: single boiler, heat exchanger or double boiler coffee machines.
The type of coffee machine you choose depends on the type of coffee drinks you intend to make. For example, for making cappuccino, the ideal option is a machine with two boilers.
The second boiler allows you to instantly switch from steam supply to brewing coffee, so that the milk foam has practically no time to settle.
Manufacturers of boiler-type coffee machines include the following well-known brands:, like Kitfort, Philips, Saeco, DeLonghi, Polaris, Vitek and others.
Comparative characteristics of the boiler and thermoblock
Advantages and disadvantages of a thermoblock
The advantages of thermoblocks include:
- stable dry steam;
- electrical energy consumption per 1 cup of coffee is lower than that of a boiler;
- instant water heating;
- compactness and relatively less weight.
Flaws:
- a high probability of blockages due to narrow passages for heating water and leaks due to the gradual destruction of the thermoblock body (especially for models with an aluminum body);
- the actual service life without repair does not exceed 3–5 years.
Pros and cons of the boiler
The main advantages of the boiler:
- constant maintenance of the required temperature of a significant volume of water;
- low probability of blockages;
- long service life (especially boilers with bodies made of copper alloys or stainless steel).
Minuses:
- waiting for water to heat up after a long break in operation (usually up to 10 minutes);
- the average cost of a boiler is higher than a thermoblock.
Conclusion
For home or office use, a more suitable option is a coffee machine equipped with a thermoblock. The impeccable speed of preparing your favorite drink plus reduced energy costs will please even demanding and zealous coffee lovers.
For public service organizations (cafes, restaurants, canteens, banquet halls, etc.) boiler-type coffee machines are suitable due to the need to prepare a large volume of coffee drinks per unit of time.
