How does a Coffee Maker Work?

Have you ever wondered how a coffee maker works? Today, we are going to find out just how these mechanical wonders make our delicious morning cup of joe.  We will talk about the standard coffee maker model, you know the one that can be found in the majority of kitchens. Drip Coffee Makers. So just how do they work?

A drip coffee maker consists of three main components:

1. The Reservoir: this holds the water that is poured into the coffee pot. At the bottom of the reservoir there is a hole.
2. The Tube: you will also find that there will be a tube (usually white or clear) that leads up from the bottom of the base of the reservoir. This tube carries the hot water to the drip area. 
3. The Shower Head: In the majority of drip coffee makers, above the basket that you will put your grounds in you will notice (usually on the lid) that there is a piece that resembles the shower head in your shower. The tube that was mentioned previously carries the hot water up to the shower head so that the water can be sprayed over (or dripped down on) the coffee grounds.

Those three main components, while very important, would not be able to work with what you will find in the bottom of the coffee maker.  Inside your coffee maker is a heating element. This heating element heats water that flows through an aluminum tube. This is the same heating element that keeps your coffee warm once it is made.

Water moves through your coffee pot through the help of gravity, and the bubbles from boiling water. This is why coffee makers tend to be very reliable machines, there aren't any pumps that can wear down or tear up. A great simplistic design is what brings you your coffee from a drip coffee maker each morning.