Which Turk is best for brewing coffee?
A turk, or cezve, is a small container for brewing delicious coffee, which has a non-standard shape. When choosing a product in a store, you can see many models that differ in different characteristics. It is very difficult to say which one is better, since everything depends on the preferences of the buyer and the characteristics of the Turk itself. However, we can still safely highlight several parameters that, in essence, determine a high-quality and durable product.
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A good Turkish coffee pot - what is it like?
In order for the brewing process to be enjoyable and the resulting drink to be tasty, it is important to determine the main characteristics of the correct cezve. Ideal dishes look like this:
- cone shape;
- thickened bottom;
- high-quality handle with reliable fastening;
- optimal volume;
- ease of use and ease of maintenance;
- The ratio of the neck to the bottom is 1:2 (the greater the discrepancy, the better).
How to choose a Turk for brewing coffee?
In stores you can find different cezves made of durable and reliable materials. But choosing the right product is not as easy as it seems at first glance.
Material of manufacture
An important criterion on which the final result depends.
Copper
If you are interested in an aromatic and tasty drink, then you should buy a copper pot.
The undeniable advantage of such dishes is that they have been tested for centuries. Making coffee in a Turkish coffee pot with a long history of use is a powerful argument for a true coffee lover.
Pros:
- the walls heat up evenly;
- resistance to sudden temperature changes;
- narrow neck;
- attractiveness;
- strength and durability;
- lightweight.
Minuses:
- perfectly absorbs odors, so when changing the type of coffee, the aroma of the previous drink does not remain on the dishes for long;
- can sometimes release toxic compounds if the material is of low quality;
- the contents cool quickly;
- requires careful and delicate care - special products are required;
- Do not wash in dishwasher.
Glass
Transparent glass turks with thin walls are the best option for beginners who are just learning the science of brewing coffee and have not gotten used to controlling the process of raising the foam in an opaque product.
Only borosilicate glass is suitable for manufacturing: it is resistant to high temperatures.
Pros:
- optimal heating rate;
- not subject to oxidation and corrosion;
- does not lose its appearance for a long time;
- affordable price;
- transparent walls allow you to monitor the process of foam rising;
- Can be washed in the dishwasher.
Minuses:
- too thin walls;
- wide neck;
- fragility and fragility;
- same type design.
Ceramics
An excellent alternative to copper. It fully reveals the taste and aroma of coffee beans, does not absorb odors and retains heat for a long time.
Pros:
- ease of care;
- rich taste of the finished coffee;
- maximum aroma transfer;
- does not oxidize;
- harmless to humans.
Minuses:
- very fragile material;
- high price;
- unstable to sudden temperature changes;
- If used incorrectly, it may become cracked.
Stainless steel
Steel Turks do not require maintenance. The material tolerates sudden heat, does not emit dangerous toxins and does not in any way affect the taste and aroma of coffee.
Pros:
- ideal solution for induction cookers;
- strength and long service life;
- affordable price;
- ease of care.
Minuses:
- slow and uneven heating;
- the taste and aroma of the finished drink may change for the worse (to avoid this, it is better to choose products whose insides are coated with food-grade tin).
Silver
The thing is certainly not cheap, even luxurious. It can easily receive the title of “family heirloom”, so you need to purchase it exclusively in a trusted and reliable store.
Pros:
- absolutely safe material;
- durable;
- has an attractive appearance.
Minuses:
- high price;
- may turn black if not properly cared for;
- very delicate and careful use;
- Periodic cleaning with special products is required.
A silver cezve is the best gift for a coffee lover. Therefore, you can never go wrong with such a gift: beautiful, expensive, practical, solid and modern.
Aluminum
All aluminum cookware is divided into cast and stamped (sheet). But cezves made from this metal are rarely purchased by customers for regular use, as they have an unattractive appearance and a metallic taste is felt in the coffee.
Pros:
- lightweight;
- low cost;
- high thermal conductivity;
- quite resistant to damage: it will not break or crack;
- there are no serious requirements for use - easy to maintain.
Minuses:
- slight difference in the diameters of the neck and bottom;
- easy to bend;
- During the brewing process, coffee loses some of its aromatic properties.
Clay
Material for the cezve, which has been tested for centuries and does not emit any dangerous toxins. Such models can be given any shape, but the Turks turn out to be fragile and break with one blow, and can crack from temperature changes.
Pros:
- naturalness and safety;
- uniform heating of the walls;
- high thermal conductivity;
- low price.
Minuses:
- requires delicate care;
- unstable to temperature changes;
- fragility.
Volume
If you follow Turkish traditions, the optimal volume is no more than 80 ml. It is in such a container that you can brew a drink with a rich aroma and deep taste.
However, if you are not used to drinking coffee in small portions, then you can take a closer look at models with a capacity of 150-200 ml - just enough for two cups.
However, this criterion is purely individual. Perhaps you like to drink coffee in company, and therefore a 300 ml cezve will come in handy.
Handle type
This is an equally important indicator that should also be taken into account. As a rule, the handle is made in two types - wood or plastic. Of course, the first option is considered more preferable: it does not heat up so quickly and is more pleasant to hold in your hand. In some situations, plastic can completely melt.
There is another option - a removable handle. However, it is more intended for those cases when a Turk often accompanies you on travel, business trips, and hikes.
Form
Ideally, the diameter of the neck is two times smaller than the diameter of its bottom. The narrowing should be small but visible, about 20% of the size of the base. This geometry provides a rich aroma due to the formation of a coffee plug - it does not allow oils to evaporate.
A prerequisite for a good cezve is sloping walls, then the grounds will settle to the bottom. Otherwise, the drink will turn out cloudy or you will have to spend more time until everything settles.
Which Turk is best for making coffee?
It's simple here:
- If you like a very strong drink, cookware made from materials with low thermal conductivity is suitable: stainless steel, clay. Optimally, a cezve with a narrow bottom.
- Copper and silver products are ideal for quick boiling. An important condition is a broad base.
- Do you want to simmer your coffee? An excellent choice are barrel-shaped Turks made of thick clay or ceramics.