History and evolution of coffee preparation

The world of coffee is rich in millenary traditions. From ancient coffee makers to modern design masterpieces such as the Moka, the art of coffee preparation represents a fascinating mix of history and creativity .
But let's start from the beginning!

Some historical notes

• The African Jabena: the roots of tradition
  
  
  
  It is in the heart of ancient Africa that we have the first evidence of the coffee pot, locally called jabena. This earthenware vessel, with a simple but effective shape, with a narrow chimney neck and a small spout, embodied a magical ritual. The preparation involved a mixture of coffee, sugar and water, resulting in an "Arabic coffee" or "Turkish coffee".
  

• Europe and the era of the Boil of Funds
  In Europe, between the 14th and 18th centuries, the predominant practice was the boiling of grounds. The difficulty in separating the grounds from the drink has driven innovation, giving rise to machinery specifically designed to make the extraction process more efficient, thus ushering in a new era in coffee culture.

• 1800: the era of the Vacuum and the ancestor of the Moka
  In 1800, a distinctive chapter opened with the vacuum, precursor of the Moka . This device, composed of two separate containers for water and coffee powder, anticipated the convenience and efficiency that characterize modern coffee preparation.
  

• The Revolution of 1933: Alfonso Bialetti and the birth of the Moka
  The turning point in the history of coffee preparation occurred in 1933 , when Alfonso Bialetti invented the Moka . This ingenious Italian invention revolutionized the preparation of coffee at home. With its elegant and functional design, the Moka won the hearts of coffee lovers all over the world.
  Coffee enthusiasts have exploited the versatility of the Moka to create unique recipes. For example, preparing with the Moka to add coffee to desserts such as tiramisu or to prepare aromatic sauces highlights its role not only as a practical tool but also as a creative element in the kitchen.
  The Moka, with over 105 million examples produced, has entered the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York. This presence confirms that the preparation of coffee is a work of art, combining functionality and aesthetics.

Curiosities about the different types of coffee makers

The term "coffee maker" refers to both the tool used to prepare coffee and the container for serving it. There are different types of coffee makers, each suitable for a particular extraction of coffee, such as espresso, brewed or brewed and filtered coffee.

• Ibriq: boiling coffee
  
  
  
  The original method, still practiced in Turkey and Arab countries, involves preparing "Arabic coffee" or "Turkish coffee" in a coffee pot called an ibriq or ibrik. This copper pot, decorated in various ways, contains coffee, sugar and water. The process involves mixing everything together and bringing to a boil. After removing the ibrik from the heat and allowing it to cool, the operation is repeated three times. Subsequently, the powder settles, the coffee is heated and then consumed, sometimes enriched with aromas such as cardamom.
  

• The Piston Coffee Maker
  
  
  
  The coffee plunger , presumably invented around 1933, is very widespread. This glass appliance allows you to pour in coffee powder and boiling water, leaving it to infuse for the desired time. A plunger, connected to the lid, ends in a circular filter. By lifting the plunger upwards and gently pressing it downwards, the filter collects the coffee powder, leaving only the brew that is poured from the spout.

• The Filter Coffee Maker
  Invented by Benjamin Thomson in 1806, the filter coffee maker became widespread especially in Germany and the United States. It is an infusion machine used for tea and coffee and can be manual or electric . The process involves boiling water and pouring it over a filter, usually made of paper, containing the coffee powder. The brew is collected immediately in a carafe or cup, producing the so-called " American-style coffee ". Find out more about American Coffee .
  
  
• Espresso coffee maker
  The term "espresso maker" refers to coffee machines found in bars . In these machines, the water is brought to the boil and then passed through a system of coils until it reaches the container that houses the roasted coffee powder. The water passes under pressure, making coffee preparation faster. The espresso is characterized by a high concentration of aromas and perfumes , visible in the creamy, light and golden part. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the quality of espresso coffee, and is a method also widely used in vending machines , of which Italy is a large producer and exporter.

• The Classic Moka
  An evolution of the moka created by Alfonso Bialetti, this small espresso coffee machine was made famous by his son, Renato, with the image of the little man with the moustache. Moka pot sizes vary to meet your needs, defined as "cups" or "people" (1 to 9). Find out how to prepare a perfect coffee with the moka !
  
  
• The Neapolitan Coffee Maker
  The Neapolitan coffee maker, also called cuccumella in Neapolitan, takes its name from its city of origin, Naples. Invented in 1819 by the Frenchman Morize, it conquered Italy for the home preparation of filter coffee. Although it has been progressively replaced by the moka due to its greater ease of use, the traditional cuccumella is still produced in aluminum and in modern design variations.

Our journey through the history of coffee makers, from the Jabena to the Moka, shows us how tradition is intertwined with innovation.
The first coffee makers laid the foundations of a ritual that evolved over time, incorporating elegant designs and functionality. Today, as we lift our cup of coffee, we continue to honor the rich history behind every drop, knowing that tradition and innovation are the key ingredients of every coffee experience .