Updated: 12/27/2018 11:23:29
Expert: Emilia Arie
Almost everyone loves coffee, and many cannot imagine their morning without an aromatic and invigorating drink. Today you can purchase various multifunctional units that do not require special skills and automatically do everything for a person. But true coffee connoisseurs remain faithful to the traditional attribute - Turk.
The first vessel was used in ancient times. African nomads took large copper pots with them and brewed a tart drink in it. Gradually, due to the inconvenience of transportation from place to place, the dimensions decreased. And the pots turned into small jugs with long handles and spouts.
After the spread of such utensils on the Arabian Peninsula, it gradually began to change and turned into the familiar Turkish cezve. The narrowed throat prevented the drink from spilling. With the help of an extended handle, the cooking process has been simplified and made much more comfortable.
How to choose a Turk for brewing coffee
How to choose a Turkish coffee pot among the variety of products so that it is not only comfortable, but also produces only the highest quality coffee? Expert advice will help you make the right purchase.
- The traditional Turk has a cone shape. In it, the grains settle faster, and the foam becomes as clean as possible.
- The thicker the bottom and walls, the better. In such a Turk, uniform heating occurs, and the prepared coffee remains hot longer.
- To get a classic drink, you need to choose containers designed for 1-2 cups.
- For electric stoves, dishes with a smooth and flat bottom are more suitable, for gas stoves - with a rounded bottom.
- The copper Turk is the most practical, and its price is affordable for all buyers.
- Beginners can opt for transparent containers, which will help control the process and avoid coffee boiling over.
- The longer the handle, the more convenient it is. The heat-resistant material will allow you to use the cookware without using oven mitts. Thanks to the removable handle, you can wash the dishes better after cooking.
- In high Turks, the boiling process occurs more slowly, so the drink becomes richer and more aromatic.
- The built-in spout makes it easy to pour coffee into cups. The wider it is, the more convenient it is to do this.
- To achieve an ideal result, the diameter of the neck should be 2-3 times smaller than the diameter of the bottom.
- For a large family or group of friends, Turks with a volume of 500 ml or more are suitable.
Which Turk is better: copper, ceramic or steel?
Today, various materials are used to produce Turks. The most common are copper, ceramics and stainless steel. Let's try to find out which material is better for preparing a real invigorating drink, and what disadvantages each of them has.
|
Material |
Advantages |
Flaws |
|
Copper |
Traditional material for making Turks; High thermal conductivity; Suitable for gas and electric stoves, barbecues and sand cooking; Withstands impacts when dropped, does not deform; Aesthetic appearance; Affordable price. |
Without an internal coating of tin or silver, they can oxidize and release harmful substances; Cools down quickly. |
|
Ceramics |
Preparation of various types of coffee; Cools down slowly; Even heating for better richness and flavor; Environmental friendliness and safety; Variety of designs; Nice appearance. |
Fragile body; Takes a long time to heat up; Cracks with sudden changes in temperature; Unglazed models absorb odors; High price. |
|
Stainless steel |
A light weight; Does not affect the aroma and taste of coffee; Not afraid of temperature changes; Easy care; Strength and durability; Does not emit harmful substances; Budget price. |
Simple design; Wide neck Turks; Uneven heating; The taste of the drink is revealed worse. |
Rating of the best Turks for making coffee
The best copper turks
Stanitsa "Mednaya", 500 ml
The first place is taken by a classic-shaped Turk with a volume of 500 ml. It is made from copper coated with a protective layer on top. The interior is treated with food-grade tin, which prevents oxidative processes and makes the model safe to use for health. A narrow neck contributes to the preparation of a tart, aromatic drink.
The handle is quite long, comfortable, and made of natural wood. It will help make the coffee preparation procedure more comfortable and eliminate the risk of burns. With the help of a metal ring, the Turk can not only be stored on a shelf, but also hung on a hook. The sophisticated design makes it a stylish piece in the kitchen. Turka will be an excellent gift option for coffee lovers for any occasion.
Many users noted the excellent appearance and preparation of truly real coffee with an invigorating aroma and richness. Turka is highly durable, resistant to deformation, and the inner layer is not scratched. An important quality is the ability to wash in the dishwasher.
Advantages
- for making coffee of any kind;
- heat-resistant wooden handle;
- presence of a spout;
- safety;
- ideal ratio of bottom and neck diameters;
- Durable internal tin lining.
Flaws
- not detected.
The second place in the ranking is taken by the Turkish brand Mayer & Boch. It is made of high quality copper with an outer plating of black nickel. The volumetric design attracts attention and makes coffee making more enjoyable. The interior is coated with food-grade tin for safe use of copper cookware.
The Turk ensures uniform heating. A narrow neck allows the powder to quickly settle to the bottom and makes the foam more free from impurities. The high side creates optimal conditions for adding richness to the drink and preserving its aromatic properties. The carved wooden handle allows you to quickly remove the Turk from the stove at the moment of boiling. It does not heat up and prevents burns.
The model can be used on all hobs except induction. It is not recommended to clean with abrasive agents or in the dishwasher. Many noted that the Mayer & Boch 750 Turk is suitable for making coffee for a large company; it produces a drink both according to the traditional recipe and the author’s one.
Advantages
- high quality copper;
- heat insulating handle;
- food grade tin coating;
- high sides – 13 cm;
- nice design;
- affordable price.
Flaws
- not detected.
Stanitsa "Grace", 350 ml
For lovers of classic coffee recipes, a Russian brand Turk with optimal parameters for an ideal result is suitable. High-quality copper is coated from the inside with food-grade tin. This ensures that the metal will not release harmful compounds when heated, so the use of Turks is considered safe for health.
The top is coated with heat-resistant varnish. The glossy body looks stylish and expensive. The bottom diameter is 7 cm, the neck diameter is 5 cm. The model is used on gas, glass-ceramic and electric heating surfaces. The handle is made of natural wood. It has a comfortable shape and does not conduct heat. It has a ring for hanging dishes on a hook.
Many buyers chose this model due to its optimal volume, attractive design, and comfortable shape. It can be cleaned well after use by hand or in a dishwasher, does not deform when dropped, and even after a long period of use it looks the same as after purchase.
Advantages
- thick layer of tin inside;
- spout for pouring coffee into cups;
- reliable handle fastening;
- narrow neck;
- external mirror polishing;
- Can be cleaned in a dishwasher.
Flaws
- not detected.
Next in the rating we include a model with the self-explanatory name “Turkish”, which will appeal to lovers of real strong coffee. Thanks to the ideal ratio of the sizes of the bottom and neck, the diameter of the walls and the height of the sides, the drink is obtained exactly according to the classic recipe, retaining the aroma and excellent clean foam. The model is suitable for all stoves (except induction), as well as for brewing Turkish coffee on sand.
Internal coating made of food grade tin. The body is treated with transparent varnish and decorated with exquisite oriental patterns. The wooden handle is removable and can be unscrewed if necessary. It fits comfortably in the brush, does not heat up, and prevents burns.
According to reviews, the model exactly repeats the shape of a traditional Turk. The narrow neck prevents essential oils from evaporating, the liquid gradually heats up, resulting in a strong drink with a rich aroma. For all the characteristics, both users and experts gave the TimA TU-550s the highest score.
Advantages
- stylish exterior design;
- narrow throat with spout;
- stable wide bottom;
- heat-resistant removable handle;
- classic cone shape;
- hook for hanging.
Flaws
- not detected.
Mallony "Oriental Beauty", (art. 985223)
The classic Turk is made of M1M copper with a double coating of food grade tin, which eliminates the risk of releasing chemicals when heated. The heat-resistant varnish gives a special shine, and the beautiful ornament makes the model a stylish accessory in the kitchen. Turku can be used on all heating surfaces, excluding induction. The narrow neck helps preserve the aroma. The bottom warms up evenly.
The handle is made of natural wood and has a comfortable angle. It does not conduct heat and allows you to quickly remove dishes from the stove when boiling. The handle can be unscrewed if necessary. Turka is easy to clean and does not require special care.
Buyers noted that copper does not darken over time, stains do not form on the surface, and it looks as attractive as it did the first time after purchase. The coffee turns out rich with a tart taste and aroma. The low cost became a strong argument in favor of choosing the “Oriental Beauty” model.
Advantages
- classic shape;
- optimal diameter of the bottom and neck;
- removable heat-resistant handle;
- high quality copper;
- two layers of tin;
- presence of a spout.
Flaws
- not detected.
The best stainless steel Turks
Vitesse "Turguoise", 685 ml VS-8634
The first to be included in this rating category is a stainless steel pot made of grade 18/10. Matte polishing with mirror inserts makes it attractive and suitable for any kitchen interior. The walls and bottom quickly warm up, allowing you to quickly prepare an invigorating morning drink. The model weighs only 300 g.
The conveniently shaped metal handle has a bakelite lining, thanks to which it does not slip and does not heat up. Turguoise is chosen for preparing various types of coffee for a company of 4 people.
According to users, the Turkish design goes well with other stainless steel cookware. It has good performance characteristics, is resistant to damage, washes well from coffee residues, does not darken or become stained, and can be cleaned in the dishwasher. The model is recognized as the best in terms of price and quality ratio.
Advantages
- high quality stainless steel;
- spout for easy pouring;
- bakelite handle;
- stylish appearance;
- for all types of surfaces (except induction).
Flaws
- wide throat.
It will not only help you brew real aromatic coffee, but will also decorate the interior of the Turk from the famous Danish brand Fissman. Stainless steel does not absorb odors, does not emit harmful substances, and is safe for health. Its special strength allows it to be used for a long time without fear of deformation and damage.
Mirror polishing makes the model refined and noble. The bakelite coating of the handle does not conduct heat and does not slip. It has a hole for hanging on a hook. The wide bottom is stable and promotes uniform heating. There is a spout on the neck for more convenient pouring of coffee into cups.
Buyers, first of all, liked the appearance of the Turks. It fits perfectly into modern kitchen interiors and goes well with other utensils. The possibility of cleaning in a dishwasher was noted. But many also noted that it can be washed well by hand, no coloring pigment remains on the walls, and there is no need to additionally use abrasives.
Advantages
- durable stainless steel;
- presence of a spout;
- heat-resistant handle;
- modern design;
- mirror polishing;
- washing in the dishwasher.
Flaws
- not detected.
The Turk from the Indian brand, included in our rating, looks stylish and modern, thanks to the glossy polishing of stainless steel. Lightweight and convenient, it will help you quickly brew a drink of the desired strength, and after that it does not require complex care, since the metal is not painted with a dark pigment from coffee and does not absorb the smell.
The bakelite handle has a comfortable shape, does not heat up, does not slip, and is securely fastened. A special hole allows you to store the Turk not only in the kitchen cabinet, but also on a hook. The shape of the model promotes gradual heating of the liquid. The spout on the neck adds ease of use.
Turka from Padia is recognized as the best in the economy segment. Low cost plus good performance characteristics and attractive appearance made it popular among buyers. And although it is not intended for preparing a drink with a complex recipe, even a beginner can brew a classic version of coffee in it. The model definitely deserves attention if the price is not in last place.
Advantages
- high quality steel;
- easy care;
- hole for hook;
- presence of a spout;
- ergonomic handle with non-heating coating;
- low price.
Flaws
- small wall thickness.
The best ceramic turks
Ceraflame Ibriks New 500 ml. D9375
The first place in the ranking in the category of the best ceramic Turks deservedly goes to a model that looks very elegant and graceful. It is covered with smooth enamel, which neutralizes roughness and cracks, making the surface shiny and scratch-resistant. Turka will look great even after cleaning with abrasive detergents.
Ibriks New can be installed on an open fire, gas or electric stove, microwave oven and freezer. Its quality will not be affected by temperature changes. Environmentally friendly materials used in production are harmless to health.
The Turk with its magnificent decor will become a favorite accessory in the kitchen, as well as an ideal gift for real coffee lovers. It is made from metal ceramics, which is durable and has high thermal conductivity. Gradual boiling guarantees a tart taste and aroma. It does not stop even after removing the dishes from the burner.
The voluminous pattern made of multi-colored glaze is reminiscent of the fabulous firebird from oriental fairy tales. Indescribable aesthetic pleasure is combined with taste pleasure. Besides this, the Turk from Gutenberg is very practical and easy to use. The natural wood handle has an ergonomic shape and prevents burns as it does not conduct heat.
Coffee gourmets who do not like laconicism and simplicity in design gave this model an “excellent” rating. It was also highlighted that it can be used on induction heating surfaces, which attracted even more interest and new buyers to it.
Advantages
- luxurious exterior design;
- narrow throat with spout;
- heat-resistant handle;
- wide bottom;
- durable material;
- for all types of plates.
Flaws
- careful care is required without the use of metal brushes and abrasives.
Ceraflame "Ibriks Hammered" (art. D9409)
The rating is completed by a Turk made of heat-resistant ceramics, which can be used on all stoves (except induction), over an open fire, and in a microwave oven. The material is non-toxic, does not emit harmful substances, and is resistant to sudden temperature changes. The long wooden handle can be unscrewed if necessary, providing convenient storage. It is ergonomic, pleasant to the touch, does not slip, and the thread does not become loose.
The shape is close to the classic one. It has a narrow neck and a wide, stable bottom, so that the aromatic components do not erode, but remain inside the container. The Turka gradually warms up, providing richness and taste. It cools down slowly, so the drink will remain hot for some time. Particular attention is drawn to the relief surface, which attracts the eye to the dishes and lifts the mood.
The model was liked by coffee connoisseurs who do not like to save money, but pay special attention to external design. Ibriks Hammered is often chosen as a gift for friends and family.
Advantages
- Beautiful design;
- classic shape;
- not afraid of high temperatures;
- embossed screw-on handle;
- simmering effect of the drink;
- convenient storage.
Flaws
- high price;
- requires careful care.
Attention! This rating is subjective in nature, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.
Coffee is a wonderful invigorating drink with a pleasant taste and aroma, and its preparation is an art. It can be done using different methods. Now stores sell coffee makers and coffee machines that can prepare this invigorating drink quickly. But the coffee made in Turk will be much tastier. This utensil comes in different types. You need to know what kind of coffee cup should be.
Products differ not only in materials, but also in shapes, sizes, and types of handles. The quality of the brewed coffee depends on these characteristics. You need to familiarize yourself with the main characteristics and choose the right product.
Copper Turk
Throughout the history of its existence, the cezve (Turk) was made from different materials - from clay to gold. Thanks to the development of modern technologies, these containers are made of copper, aluminum, steel, ceramics, silver, and crystal. What properties should a high-quality coffee pot have? How to choose it correctly?
Copper has high thermal conductivity, so it heats up completely and efficiently. Cooling of such a cezve occurs quickly. A copper coffee pot is considered a classic type of container, so it is suitable for cooking on different stoves. Advantages include durability and affordability. The average cost of a product is from 800 rubles.
But copper can be toxic, so the inside of the cookware is treated with food-grade tin. Every person wants to buy a high-quality coffee pot. How to choose it? It is necessary to inspect the container for integrity, otherwise the container will not be able to prepare a rich drink.
A copper coffee pot with a silver coating inside is considered to be of high quality. It is a durable and high-quality item that will delight you for many years, but its cost is high. Modern containers for making coffee are usually made not just from copper, but from alloys, which increases safety. For example, brass is often used, which is a compound of copper and zinc.
Stainless steel
This container has average thermal conductivity, heats up for a long time and cools down quickly. The advantages include an excellent polished surface and impeccable polishing inside.
But there is also a disadvantage of such Turks, which affects the taste of the drink. Steel Turks have a wide neck, which prevents coffee foam from rising. It is thanks to her that the aroma and essential oils are present. Because of this, the taste of the drink will not be as rich. But in terms of other characteristics - strength, stability, durability, a steel product is stronger than copper.
Ceramics
Previously, clay Turks were made by pilgrims and pilgrims. The method of doing the work has been changed, but not radically. Ceramic coffee pot has low thermal conductivity and high heat capacity. This means that it has the effect of a thermos.
When the cezve is removed from the heat, the heat effect remains, and the drink continues to simmer. But this property can cause overheating, and therefore the coffee cap runs over the edge. A ceramic coffee pot breaks quickly, and chips and cracks may appear.
Clay dishes are also used; some specimens are sculpted by hand and fired over live fire. This is an advantage of Turks, the properties of the product are similar to ceramic ones - long heating, slow cooling, but the heat is distributed evenly.
Silver
To create a cezve, they do not use pure silver, but its food alloy. This type of pot for brewing coffee heats up quickly and cools down slowly, but does not have the uniform heat distribution that copper and earthenware have.
A silver Turk is more of a kitchen decoration than a practical item. Many metal connoisseurs believe that coffee in such a container tastes better. Whether to purchase such a thing or not, it all depends on desire.
Crystal
Crystal is used to create beautiful transparent cezves, which are more suitable for decorating the kitchen. This type of cookware heats up and cools down slowly. The drink may escape. It is not advisable to use it on a daily basis.
The neck of the container is very wide, which will not allow you to get a flavorful drink. But if you know how to work with a crystal Turk, you will get an excellent result.
Electric Turk
In stores you can find electric coffee pots. With such a capacity, your favorite drink is prepared very quickly, because they are produced with a power of 500-1000 W. You just need to pour water and add ground coffee, and soon everything will be ready.
Electric coffee turks are convenient to use on trips and at work. The device will help out wherever there is no stove, but there is electricity. The container can also be used for boiling water. Such designs are reliable and durable. If the heating part is damaged, then any workshop will replace it with a new one.
Turks forms
It turns out that the correct coffee pot must be used. How to choose it? The neck of the container should be narrow, which prevents the drink from escaping quickly. Thanks to this property, the coffee turns out rich and aromatic.
Steel Turks have a wide neck, which is their disadvantage. The drink is not as tasty as from a narrowed container. The bottom of the product should be two to three times wider than the diameter of the narrow part. This is necessary to ensure that the mixture of water and coffee is heated evenly so that the drink tastes great.
Product sizes
To ensure a rich aroma and a pleasant taste, you need to consider the size of the dishes when purchasing. You should purchase a Turk of the size that is usually used. If you often prepare 1 cup of espresso, you will need a small cezve - 100 ml.
Fans of large portions of the drink will have to purchase a 250 ml bottle. A container of 400-500 ml is suitable for two people. Large families need to purchase dishes for 750-800 ml. You can cook a small portion in a large Turk, but the foam will not rise to the top of the container. Because of this, taste and aroma are lost. Therefore, it is important to purchase the product based on servings.
It is important to have a high-quality coffee pot. How to choose one? When purchasing, you need to pay attention to several important details. It is necessary to choose a product with a thick bottom, which makes heating uniform. The drink will be rich.
It is necessary to choose a non-metallic handle, since such a part heats up quickly. Wooden holders are great for permanent use. These products may have additional insulation. It is advisable that the handle be bolted and not welded.
You should not choose products with applique decorations on the outside. The decoration quickly deteriorates, and such a container is more difficult to clean. Copper products are decorated with stamping, engraving, and images. Ceramic or clay ones are treated with hand-drawn patterns. Usually they are applied using a special technology, so they do not wash off even with frequent washing.
Which is better to choose?
The best coffee pot is copper. It is ideal for brewing an invigorating drink. You can choose ceramic, which also has good characteristics. Crystal utensils can be used as a gift, and silver utensils can be used on holidays. A less successful choice would be a steel cezve.
Purchasing a Turk is a personal matter for everyone, so you should take into account not only the generally accepted rules, but also your desire and taste. It is important that the purchased container pleases, pleases and is safe. Then preparing the drink will always be pleasant, and the result will be joyful.
In a product, functionality is important, not external properties. If a copper container is chosen, it should not be washed with abrasive products. Like any other utensils, the Turk requires constant care. After each preparation of coffee, it must be washed and dried.
If you have selected a suitable Turk, you can start making coffee. There are several recommendations for this process to ensure that the drink turns out delicious:
- coffee should not be boiled, it should be brewed at 90 - 95 degrees;
- water should be used clean, filtered;
- It is advisable to purchase grains and grind them before cooking.
With such a large selection, it is sometimes difficult to figure out what is best to buy. Therefore, connoisseurs of the drink buy several types of Turks, which are useful in different situations. Thanks to this container you can prepare delicious and aromatic coffee every day.
True lovers of aromatic coffee prepared according to all the rules prefer to prepare the drink in a container specially designed for this purpose. We are talking about a Turk or, as it is also called, a cezve.
It was in this small vessel that coffee was first prepared in Turkey on hot sand. Since then, much has changed in the idea of the drink, but the real one is made in accordance with ancient traditions.
Cezve shape
When choosing a Turk for the first time in a store, you need to pay attention to its shape. The traditional shape of the cezve is a wide bottom, a narrow neck and a slightly widened upper part. It is believed that the richest taste of coffee is revealed in a vessel from which the aroma does not escape, and for this it must have a fairly narrow neck.
In a conical turk, little foam is formed; it clogs the throat and prevents volatile essential oils from evaporating.
With the best Turkish woman the bottom should be approximately 2-3 times larger than the throat.
This shape allows the coffee particles to quickly heat up, rise to the narrow part, form foam and quickly sink to the bottom, giving away their . It is also necessary to pay attention to the thickness of the walls of the vessel - the thicker they are, the longer the drink will be hot.
Material for Turks
Industrial enterprises produce thousands of varieties of Turks from different materials, differing in naturalness, thermal conductivity and, of course, price. Yet only three of them are widely popular - copper, ceramics and clay.
Copper Turk
Copper is a durable, corrosion-resistant and safe material. The copper pot for coffee has good thermal conductivity, therefore When preparing coffee, it will heat up evenly on all sides.
This will ensure that all essential substances are released from the coffee beans.
Copper is a plastic material; it is this property that allows us to make a vessel with the widest bottom and narrow neck.
Ancient copper cezves were made by forging, now this process has been put on stream.
But if you really want, you can always find a forged product in a single material with a special stamping, into the production of which the master put his soul. The inner walls of the Turks must be covered with food-grade tin, this film will prevent the drink from mixing with copper components. It will be better if the tin is applied manually.
Ceramic Turk
Therefore, coffee prepared in a Yixing Turk will be distinguished by any coffee lover - it has a surprisingly rich taste.
Clay also has one negative property - it absorbs the aroma of the product and gives it back during subsequent preparations, so in such a cezve it will be possible to prepare only one type of drink.
In addition to the listed models of Turks, which differ in material and shape, modern industry produces a product that is convenient for a business trip or office.
This cezve is made from stainless steel and can vary in shape and volume. The body of the Turk has a folding handle, so it will not take up much space in your bag or closet.
Turkish choice
And yet, which coffee pot is better worries every coffee lover who has decided to buy a vessel for the first time. A copper pot is suitable for everyday coffee preparation. with the widest bottom and narrow throat. The smaller the volume of such a cezve, the more aromatic the drink; for one person, the optimal amount of the resulting drink will be 200 milliliters.
You can buy a ceramic cezve for those days when you can devote a lot of time to preparing a drink.
An important part of the Turk is the handle; it must be made of heat-resistant material. Models are available in which the handles are inserted or screwed in; it is better to choose the latter - it is stronger. Handles attached to the cezve at an angle will burn your hands less.
That's all you need to consider when choosing a Turk. And in order to get a really tasty aromatic drink, you need to buy real ones and show a little talent when preparing the drink.
The utensils in which coffee was prepared in the East in the old days - the Turk (cezva) - have survived to this day almost unchanged. The taste of the drink depends on the material from which the container is made, its shape and proportions, the thickness of the walls and bottom, so choosing the right Turk is not an easy task for a novice coffee lover. Next we will figure out what parameters a good coffee pot has.
The name "cezva" comes from the Turkish Cezve. This is a small, thick-walled, conical-shaped vessel with a wide bottom, a narrow neck, a comfortable spout and a long handle pointing upward.
A little history
More than 1000 years ago, a drink made from ground coffee beans was brewed over hot coals in copper pots of a regular shape. However, it was difficult to preserve the aroma and taste of coffee in unsuitable containers.
Desert Bedouin nomads carried with them a copper water jug - ibrik (the word comes from the Arabic ibriq or Persian abriz: ab - water and riz - pour). The shape of these vessels: rounded sides, a handle soldered in two places, a wide bottom and a long curved spout - is a little more suitable for making coffee than a kettle, but it is difficult to catch the moment of boiling.
Subsequently, the Arabs created a special vessel for making coffee - dallu (from the Arabic dallah), which is a copper or brass jug with a wide curved spout attached to the top of the vessel, with a lid and handle, like the ibrik. To avoid burning your hands, the handle of the jug was made straight, pointing upward. Dalla is still used to make coffee over an open fire.
Dallah - the prototype of the modern Turkish coffee pot We owe the appearance of the cezve to the desire of the courtiers of Suleiman the Magnificent to please their master. After the governor of Yemen, Ozdemir Pasha, brought coffee beans as a gift to the Sultan in the mid-16th century, there was a need to change the utensils for brewing coffee.
At first, the drink was prepared for the ruler of the Ottoman Empire in a golden saucepan. However, even in a container made of noble metal, coffee did not turn out as aromatic and tasty as in a forged copper vessel with a narrowed neck, wide bottom and thick walls, called a “cezve”.
Together with the recipes of Eastern coffee masters, this simple vessel spread throughout the world and received a second name - Turk. Over time, the shape changed a little, different materials were used: metals, ceramics. In addition to ordinary cezves, which require a gas or electric stove, or, in extreme cases, a fire, electrical appliances have appeared in which you can also brew delicious coffee.
Shape and volume of the correct coffee pot
The taste of the finished drink largely depends on the shape and proportions of the Turka. For uniform heating of the contents, it is desirable that the vessel has the shape of a truncated cone, has a wide, thick bottom and a narrow neck.
It has been empirically established that the diameter of the neck should be 2 times smaller than the diameter of the bottom. The larger the area the bottom occupies, the more stable the vessel and the better the drink warms up.
The slower the Turk heats up, the more complete the extraction of beneficial substances from ground coffee. Heating slows down if the cezve has thick walls. This is especially important for vessels made of copper, which has high thermal conductivity. Therefore, the best copper Turks have a wall thickness of at least 1.5 mm.
If the foam has escaped, the fragrant drink turns into a tasteless, unpleasant-smelling mess. The narrow neck prevents the coffee foam from splashing out: a “plug” of powder particles collects there, preventing the aroma and vapors of essential oils from leaking out.
At the moment of boiling, the grounds rise to the very neck. When heating stops, it quickly slides to the bottom along the inclined walls of the conical turk.
The volume of the vessel for brewing coffee also matters: there is no point in preparing one serving in a large coffee maker. When choosing a Turk, you need to consider how many servings of the drink will need to be brewed at the same time. The standard serving is 100 ml, but the volume of the cezve should be approximately 1.5 times larger so that when boiling there is enough room for the foam to rise. For one person, a Turk with a volume of 100–150 ml is suitable. For 2-3 people you will need a vessel with a capacity of 350-500 ml, and for a large company there are cezves with a capacity of 750 ml.
The shape and material of the cezve handle is of great importance. To avoid getting burned, the handle is made long, pointing upward (away from the heat source), from a material with low thermal conductivity, for example, wood or plastic. But there is a risk that when heated, the plastic will begin to emit an unpleasant odor.
It is necessary to pay attention to how the handle of the Turk is attached to the body. Fastening with bolts or rivets is more reliable than solder. When heated, poorly made solder can soften: the handle will remain in your hands, and the container with a hot drink will end up on the floor.
Turkish material
Cezves made of copper, brass, aluminum and stainless steel are available for sale. There are also good coffee turks made of glass, Yixing clay, and ceramics. Each material has its own characteristics.
Turks made of copper
Following tradition, copper cezves are most often purchased. Let's figure out which Turk is better: stamped or forged.
Vessels made by stamping are much cheaper, their walls and bottom are thinner, which affects the speed of preparing the drink. The extraction takes place too quickly, causing the coffee to be less rich and flavorful. But if it is important to save time in the morning, and the subtleties of taste are in the background, this is a suitable option.
Copper Turks Forged cezves are more massive, often covered with chasing or intricate patterns. They are more difficult to care for, but the quality of the drink is better. It is easy to forge a product of any shape from a plastic material.
Copper has a low heat capacity, so as soon as the vessel is removed from the heat, boiling immediately stops. If you don't get distracted, the contents won't escape and won't lose their taste.
But the coffee drink has an acidic environment; upon contact with copper, salts are formed that are harmful to health. Therefore, the inner surface must be covered with food-grade tin (tinned), and in expensive models - with silver.
Advantages of copper cezves:
- strength and durability;
- high thermal conductivity;
- uniform heating.
Flaws:
- vulnerability of the inner surface coating to abrasive materials and detergents;
- toxicity of copper salts.
Turks made of aluminum
Products made from food-grade aluminum are inferior to copper in all respects. These vessels heat up quickly and cool down quickly. But this is convenient if you need to take the Turk on a hike.
Aluminum Turk Advantages:
- light weight;
- strength,
- low price.
Flaws:
- when heated, aluminum interacts with coffee, which has an acidic reaction, and gives an off-flavor;
- Due to the fact that the metal is soft, its surface is easily damaged.
Brass cezves
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, an excellent material for making Turks. Compared to copper, it is more rigid and heats up more slowly. A layer of food grade tin must be applied to the inner surface. The metal lends itself well to polishing, and products are decorated with embossing or applied patterns.
Brass Turk Advantages:
- presentable appearance;
- strength and durability;
- the drink warms up evenly and more slowly than a copper pot.
Flaws:
- the tin layer needs delicate care;
- if the protective coating is damaged, the brass is highly oxidized.
Stainless steel turks
This material is far from ideal for making vessels with such a complex shape as a Turk. Stainless steel cezves always have a neck that is not narrow enough. But they are suitable for electric stoves with induction heating.
Stainless steel Turk Advantages:
- strength and durability;
- corrosion resistance;
- ferromagnetic properties.
Flaws:
- incorrect shape of the product, which violates the coffee preparation technology and worsens the taste;
- there may be impurities in the metal that give an unpleasant aftertaste;
- low thermal conductivity and uneven heat distribution.
Turks made of non-metallic materials
Vessels made of clay or ceramics came to us from time immemorial. They do not emit any substances harmful to health. Both clay and ceramics can be given any shape, but these materials do not differ in strength.
Both materials have low thermal conductivity but high heat capacity. The vessel heats up slowly, which ensures uniform heating and high-quality extraction of beneficial substances from ground coffee into water. The Turk retains heat for a long time, and even if it is removed from the heating source, the process continues for some time. If you do not have sufficient experience in handling such a vessel, the foam will certainly escape.
Cezves made of porous refractory clay
Products made from porous clay have the ability to absorb essential oils and aromatic substances, which is important for gourmets. Therefore, it is advisable to use such dishes only for one type of coffee.
Clay Turk Advantages of products made from unglazed clay:
- health safety;
- the beneficial effect of air oxygen passing through the pores on the taste of the drink.
Flaws:
- fragility;
- the ability to use only one type of coffee.
Poured ceramic products
Ceramics differs from refractory clay in that it does not absorb odors or tastes; otherwise, the properties of the materials are similar. But ceramic Turks are just as short-lived as clay ones: you only need to drop them once to lose your favorite item.
Ceramic Turk Turks made of quartz glass
Thin-walled glass vessels for brewing coffee are used not only for brewing coffee, but also for making tea or cocoa. They heat up quickly; even a person experienced in this matter finds it interesting to watch the process through transparent glass. You can always manage to remove the Turk from the heat in time.
Advantages:
- glass is harmless to health;
- the ability to prepare different drinks.
Flaws:
- fragility and fragility;
- glass does not withstand temperature changes;
- The taste of coffee brewed in such a vessel leaves much to be desired.
Glass Turk
Proper care of cezves
There is always a thin film of coffee oils on the inner surface of metal, clay or ceramic utensils for brewing coffee. There is no point in trying to remove it. It is best to wash the vessel in plenty of warm running water with a soft sponge, without detergents or even abrasive substances.
This is especially true for metal vessels with a protective coating inside. You should also not use aggressive agents outside; it is recommended to wipe with dishwashing gel and rinse thoroughly. It is enough to completely wash the vessel from coffee grounds and remove carbon deposits from the outside. After washing, the dishes must be dried and stored in the cupboard until next use.
It’s not enough to choose wisely, you also need to. Optimal grinding, proportions of water and coffee, as well as brewing time and the best recipes are discussed in a separate article.
How to choose an electric Turk
Progress does not stand still, and it also affected the cezves. There are two types of Turks operating from the mains: with and without an auto-shut-off function.
The device without auto shut-off resembles a small electric kettle. A classic-shaped Turk is installed on a heating platform, or a heating element is built into its bottom. Brewing coffee in this device is no more difficult than in a regular cezve. The main thing is not to miss the moment of boiling and immediately disconnect the device from the network, and remove the container from the platform and set it aside.
Electric Turk The most popular model of this coffee maker: Gorenje TCM 300 W. Its volume is designed for 2 servings (300 ml), power consumption is 800 W. However, you need to monitor it in the same way as a simple Turk standing on a gas, electric stove or in a tray with sand.
The choice of coffee makers with an auto-shut-off function is small; on our market there is the Beko BKK-2300 model. The device is equipped with an optical sensor that can disconnect the device from the power supply at the moment of boiling. Therefore, the price of the Beko BKK-2300 is close to the cost of a good carob espresso machine.
You can buy a coffee maker designed for 1 cup or 2. Caring for such a machine is a little more difficult than a simple one: from time to time, about once a month, you need to wipe the sensor.
The range of household appliances for brewing home coffee is growing every year, but for real coffee lovers the main tool will always remain a coffee pot. Yes, an expensive and high-quality coffee maker (coffee machine) will make an excellent drink, regardless of a person’s culinary talents. In Turkish coffee, it’s very easy to ruin delicious, invigorating coffee, but you can brew it in such a way that you’ll want to hide the coffee maker once and for all. Read how to brew coffee in a Turkish coffee pot, methods and what you need to do it.
The most important thing for this is to be able to brew real coffee. First, you need to choose the right product in the store - for Turka you need the powder itself, as they say, “into dust.” But it is equally important to buy the right vessel for coffee experiments - a Turk, or cezve. Of course, in the morning, before work, it is always more convenient to prepare invigorating coffee in a coffee maker - a true coffee gourmet always has such a machine in the kitchen. But if time permits, it is much more pleasant to brew this ancient drink in a Turk - stand over the stove, watch the process, and then calmly enjoy the coffee taste and aroma. In addition, some recipes - Arabic or Turkish coffee - are brewed exclusively in cezve.
Turk for coffee - history of appearance
The first vessel for brewing coffee appeared in Ancient Africa - local nomads took copper pots with them on long hikes to prepare the drink over a fire. Over time, for the convenience of travelers, the pots became smaller and smaller, until the aborigines accidentally brought them to the Arabian Peninsula. There, coffee brewed in a saucepan was appreciated not only by local traders, but also by the Sultan himself. For him, they began to brew the enchanting drink in an elite golden saucepan - with a long handle and a lid, so that no one would dare to inhale this divine smell.
But gold had a big drawback - due to its high thermal conductivity, coffee constantly ran away, so the vessel was modified, or rather its shape was changed. Initially, the container for brewing coffee was called “dalla”, and the new vessel began to be called rakwa - after the name of Sultan Abu al-Walid Rakwe. The rakva was made of copper, it had a wide bottom and a narrower neck. This copper vessel turned out to be a real find - the coffee was brewed quickly, and thanks to the metal and convenient design, it was very convenient to monitor the brewing process. The coffee foam, rising, protected all the essential oils from evaporation, and the drink turned out to be especially fragrant.
The name “rakva” was soon forgotten, and the new vessel became famous under the name “dzhezva”. They started using the Turk very quickly, appreciating all its advantages. Thus, due to the high thermal conductivity properties of copper and uniform heating of coffee in a Turk, it turned out to be very convenient to brew in hot sand - burying the vessel with coffee in crushed quartz.
Classification of Turks for coffee
Over the many centuries of using Turks for brewing coffee, these vessels have changed several times - shape, size, even material. The general classification of Turks today looks like this:- in size, from 70 to 500 ml (calculated for 1-5 cups);
- by material (copper, stainless steel, bronze and silver, quartz and clay, etc.);
- by the inclination and length of the handle (cezves for the stove, for sand and for the barbecue);
- in shape (barrel-shaped, conical, with a straight and narrowed neck, etc.);
- by height and bottom size (high, flat, flattened).
What material is Turka made from?
Today there are quite a lot of materials from which a Turk can be made. However, the palm is still held by metal - silver, stainless steel, and, of course, copper. In addition to metal Turks, Turks made of ceramics and clay are widespread.
1. Metal Turks
1. Stainless steel Such Turks are easy to use, lightweight, and most importantly - cheaper than all other options on the market. But stainless steel has significant disadvantages:- Low thermal conductivity coefficient. Such a vessel heats up very slowly and unevenly. Because of this, the liquid in it is heated unevenly, which is why the rich bouquet of coffee aromas remains undiscovered.
- Form. Usually such Turks look like small ladles with a wide neck. Dense foam does not form in such vessels, and the coffee aroma quickly evaporates.
- Metallic taste. Stainless steel cookware is often sold of very dubious quality. If you brew a drink in such a vessel, an unpleasant metallic taste will appear, which can spoil the most expensive Arabica beans.
- Cools down slowly. A steel pot heats up slowly, but takes a very long time to cool down. The coffee in it can escape even if you turn off the heat in time.
2. Copper Copper Turks are considered the standard all over the world - the best coffee is brewed in such vessels. But when purchasing, it is important to ensure that the cookware is not entirely copper. The fact is that copper, when heated, forms harmful soluble compounds, so an internal coating of silver or food-grade tin is necessary. Also carefully inspect the inside of the Turk - if the coating is scratched or damaged, choose another cookware.
Video: Turk for coffee
The body of copper turks can be solid, or it can consist of two parts; it is better to choose an all-metal turk.
When buying a copper cezve you need to remember:
- A coffee pot without a protective tin coating will not only oxidize quickly, but also actively absorb odors.
- It is better to choose a cezve with a thick and wide bottom - they heat up more evenly.
- A thick-walled Turk is quite difficult to buy in a regular supermarket or online store. They are usually brought from trips to Turkey and Greece, where there are small companies producing such copper utensils.
2. Turks made of Chinese Yixing clay (Zi Sha)
A pot made from such material is a real rarity, but coffee made in it will be unforgettable. Thanks to the special porous structure of Chinese clay, the drink (while you are brewing it) is saturated with oxygen, which makes it more saturated. And after several brews, the clay itself is saturated with coffee aroma, and the taste is very bright.
But the ability of Yixing clay to absorb odor is also a disadvantage. You will have to brew only one type of coffee in it, so that all the coffee bouquets do not mix with each other. Or buy several pieces for home at once - for different types of coffee.
3. Ceramic Turks
A ceramic pot is called universal: you can brew different types of drinks in it, the taste of coffee is excellent, and thanks to the thick walls, it is also rich and deep. However, a ceramic cezve retains heat for a very long time, so you need to make sure that the coffee does not escape even when the stove is turned off. In addition, ceramics are very fragile and therefore require careful handling.Shape and size of coffee pot
When buying a new pot for your kitchen, be sure to look at the handle – what it’s made of and how it’s attached. The ideal option is a wooden handle; such material does not allow heat to pass through and you will not get burned. If you brew coffee on the stove, the handle should go slightly upward at an oblique angle - this protects your hands from the heat of the fire. Pay attention to how the handle is held - screwed in or inserted. The screwed handle is much stronger, and it is also easy to remove to thoroughly wash the cezve.
The best shape is cone-shaped, with a wide bottom and a narrow neck. In such a Turk, coffee will heat up faster and cool down more slowly, and the aroma will last longer due to its cone-shaped shape. In addition, in a classic-shaped cezve, grains of ground coffee will settle to the bottom faster, and the foam will remain as clean as possible. You must also understand that a neck that is too narrow is not very good, since a thick layer of foam is formed due to which the approaching boiling point is not visible. In addition, when pouring from a conical Turk, the grounds will remain inside the Turk.
The walls and bottom of the Turk must be made of thick material. The thicker the better. This applies to any material from which the Turk is made. In addition, if the Turk is large (500-600 ml), then it should have a wide bottom for faster boiling. If the bottom of the Turk is smooth and flat, then it is more suitable for electric stoves; if it is rounded at the edges, then for gas stoves.
The foam catcher in the Turk is needed to prevent the coffee from boiling over. When boiling, the volume of foam increases several times and the wider the catcher, the less foam will escape if mistakes are made during preparation. The catcher may have a built-in coffee spout. The longer and wider the nose, the better.
Coffee experts advise novice brewed coffee lovers to buy 1-2 cup cups of Turkish coffee, as they produce the richest drink. A 120-150 ml cezve is suitable for one person. Most coffee recipes are designed for just this amount, so it’s easier to experiment with a small coffee pot. If you are going to brew coffee strictly according to Eastern rules and canons, you can buy a smaller coffee pot – about 80 ml. For coffee for two, the optimal volume of dishes is 150-180 ml. Classic Turkish coffee is 60-80 ml of the strongest drink and a glass of water to wash it down. If you always brew 2 large cups of coffee in the morning, a 350-400 ml Turk (or two 200 ml cezves) will do. In a large family kitchen, the largest coffee pot - 500 ml - will come in handy. And the best gift for a coffee gourmet would be a set of Turks of different sizes - 60, 120, 180, 240, 300 and 360 ml.
- If the main thing for you in a Turk is not beauty, but functionality, choose copper. It is cheaper than the others and the most practical.
- For beginner coffee lovers, a copper cezve is also suitable. Such a Turk is the most predictable and will not let you down at the most inopportune moment.
- If you like to clean dishes with abrasive sponges, it is better to avoid copper cookware. Abrasives will quickly wear away the protective tin coating.
- For those who are just learning to brew coffee, a transparent Turk - made from mountain quartz, for example, is perfect. In such dishes it is easy to see when the coffee begins to boil and have time to remove it from the stove.
- For aesthetes who want to buy the most beautiful Turk, mountain quartz is also suitable. And also porcelain and ceramics.
- If you do not have sufficient experience in brewing coffee, do not buy sand coffee kits. They include a Turk and a special roasting pan into which sand is poured.
- Look carefully at the handle in the cezve - it should be long and not allow heat to pass through. The removable wooden handle not only serves as a decoration for your Turk, but is also practical. It is easy to remove to thoroughly wash the coffee from the dishes.
- The best Turk is a conical Turk with thick walls and bottom.
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