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Drip Coffee Makers — super simple, super cheap

Technology Connections・31 minutes read

Electric kettles are the fastest and most convenient way to boil water in the US, and the lack of popularity is due to lower tea consumption rather than electrical system constraints. Coffee makers like Mr. Coffee are prevalent in the US, favored for their simplicity and consistency in brewing coffee.

Insights

  • Electric kettles are underutilized in the US due to lower tea consumption rather than plug limitations, contrasting with Canada where they are widely used despite similar electrical systems.
  • Mr. Coffee revolutionized coffee brewing in the US with its innovative design and heating mechanisms, transitioning from percolators to drip brewers, offering simplicity, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in coffee making.

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Recent questions

  • Why are electric kettles popular in Canada?

    Canadians widely use electric kettles despite having a similar electrical system to the US due to the higher consumption of tea in Canada compared to the US.

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Summary

00:00

"US Coffee Culture: Electric Kettles vs Drip Brewers"

  • Electric kettles are the fastest and most convenient way to boil water in the US, despite the common belief that they are not practical due to plug limitations.
  • The lack of popularity of kettles in the US is attributed to the lower consumption of tea rather than electrical system constraints.
  • Canadians, despite having a similar electrical system, widely use electric kettles.
  • Coffee makers are prevalent in the US due to the high consumption of coffee, with drip brewers being a common choice.
  • Instant coffee is not favored in the US due to limited options and quality concerns.
  • Actual coffee in the US is typically brewed from beans, either ground at home or bought pre-ground in large quantities.
  • French press and pour-over methods are used for brewing coffee with a kettle, but drip brewers like Mr. Coffee are more common.
  • Mr. Coffee popularized electric drip brewers in the US, leading to the decline of percolators.
  • The original Mr. Coffee machine from 1979 operates differently from modern drip machines, with a unique design and heating mechanism.
  • The Mr. Coffee machine uses a bimetallic strip and hole in the pan to control water temperature, ensuring optimal brewing conditions.

13:40

"Efficient coffee maker design ensures quality brew"

  • The set screw calibrates the bimetallic strip, tested to reach around 200 degrees Fahrenheit, fluctuating between 170 and 190 during brewing.
  • The thermostatic valve opens and closes throughout the brew, affecting the output temperature.
  • The valve's hole prevents water pooling, requiring quick action to prevent overflow.
  • Instructions advise preparing the coffee in the basket before pouring water, as the coffee absorbs water quickly.
  • The 1500W heating element has a thermostat to prevent overheating when dry, located below the water inlet for quick reset.
  • Mr. Coffee transitioned to a bubble pump design in the '80s, simplifying the brewing process.
  • The bubble pump design uses a one-way valve and a hot tube to pump water through the coffee maker.
  • The heating element quickly boils water in the tube, creating pressure that pushes water through the sprayer.
  • The 850W coffee maker takes about 11 minutes to brew a full pot, slower than the older 1500W model.
  • Taste tests reveal minimal difference between coffee brewed by different machines, with slight variations in strength noted in smaller machines.

28:19

"Drip Coffee Makers: Simple and Efficient"

  • The thermostat in the coffee maker is connected to the hot plate and heating element, preventing overheating by breaking the connection when the temperature exceeds the boiling point.
  • The design of the coffee maker is simple and cost-effective, with the original Mr. Coffee retailing for $39.99 in 1972, equivalent to nearly $300 today, due to its efficiency compared to percolators.
  • The price of drip coffee machines has significantly decreased over the years, with basic models now available for around $20, and even cheaper store brand options for under $10.
  • Despite various coffee-making gadgets and techniques available, the simplicity and consistency of drip coffee makers make them a preferred choice for many users.
  • Leaving the coffee maker on to keep the coffee warm can ruin the flavor, and it's recommended to shut it off after brewing and warm the coffee in the microwave if needed.
  • Drip coffee makers are easy to use, requiring only basic steps like adding a filter, coffee, water, and turning it on, making them reliable and consistent in producing coffee.
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