Last Updated on October 10, 2021 by
It is very normal and expected actually for steam to come out of a coffee maker. Perhaps you a coffee lover and you keep seeing steam from your coffee maker and you keep asking; is it normal for steam to come out of the coffee maker?
Coffee makers have a fairly simple working principle which simply involves heating up water for brewing coffee and mixing it with the ground coffee beans to make a cup of coffee. It goes without saying that as far as the heating of water is involved in the process then steam or vapor must escape. So the very simple answer to the question is in the affirmative.
The simple science behind this is simply that which explains the different states of matter. Steam is the gaseous form of water and it is created when water is subjected to heat. The amount of heat required to make coffee makes it inevitable for steam to escape.
In fact, it is a source of worry if there is no steam produced from the coffee maker as this might mean that the coffee maker is under-performing or not functioning at all. Even though this steam can be a problem for the cabinet, later on, it is important to not try to suppress it. It is simply a by-product of the water added to the machine to make coffee.
WHAT SHOULD ONE NOTE ABOUT COFFEE MAKERS THAT GIVE OFF STEAM?
In order for us to understand why it is normal for steam to come out of a coffee maker, we must also understand how the heating element works.
The heating element of the coffee machine is a very important part of the machine because it serves two major functions.
These functions include heating up the water that is introduced into the machine before it is sprayed over the ground coffee and it also keeps the already prepared pot of coffee warm.
It is important that the heating element of a coffee maker is always functioning at its best capacity. It is this heating element that heats water to the point that it escapes as steam.
There are different parts of a heating element and they include;
- The resistive heating element: This kind of heating element includes a coiled wire that heats up when electricity is supplied. This coiled wire is often under the plaster of the coffee maker so it is more durable. The resistive heating element is often found between the warming plate made of metal and the water tube made of aluminum. The metal plate is at the base of the coffee pot. When the coiled wire heats up and the water in extension heats up as well and begins to evaporate in the form of steam.
- The Aluminum water tube: This is the medium that passes water throughout the coffee maker. It has two ends, one of which is connected to the cold water tube and the other is connected to the hot water tube. The aluminum water tube passes cold water underneath the resistive heating element so that it can heat it up till it is hot enough to be mixed with ground coffee. Heat is distributed throughout so that the coffee stays warm.
The heating element is controlled firstly by the power switch which permits or inhibits the supply of electricity to the machine. When the machine is switched on the supply of electricity is completed and the heating element begins to function and heat up water.
When the coffee is getting too hot the machine through its sensors detects this and it responds by turning off the heating element. This explains why even though steam comes out of the coffee machine, it does not come out for long since the sensors have turned off the heating element of the coffee maker. The sensors also turn it back on when the coffee has cooled down so that it stays warm. This mechanism is repeated cyclically until there is no more coffee.
The water or already mixed coffee will often reduce in quantity as far as the heating element is functioning and steam is released from the machine. This mechanism explains why steam is produced from a coffee maker.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN STEAM IS NOT COMING OUT OF A COFFEE MAKER?
This could mean that the heating system is not functioning and the water is not heated. Steam has to escape from the coffee maker if the heating element is working at its full capacity. Steam not escaping from the coffee maker could also mean that the coffee maker could overheat because if it does not let out steam then all the heat builds up and overheats the coffee maker. This could damage the machine. So steam leaving the coffee maker is actually a good sign that the heating element is functioning fully.
The steam from a coffee maker can be a problem for the cabinet in the kitchen. The damage it can cause the cabinet can be damaging to the kitchen furniture. Normally, coffee makers are placed on countertops or cupboards that are directly underneath cabinets. When the steam leaves the coffee maker, it settles under the cabinet and begins to weaken the finishing.
The steam coming from the coffee maker cannot be suppressed but it can be managed so that it does not damage the kitchen furniture. Proper ventilation, use of heat shield, and waterproof plywood as finishing can protect the cabinets from the effects of the steam from the coffee maker.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE OF THE COFFEE MAKER WHEN IT DOES NOT GIVE OUT STEAM
There are certain problems that affect the coffee maker which would make it not work and steam would not come out of a coffee maker. They include the following;
- The power cord could be damaged. The power switch can also become spoiled. This is a problem that can be dangerous if it is not managed by a professional by replacing it. Sometimes it is best to buy a new coffee maker than risk the electric hazard that could arise from managing the faulty appliance.
- A clogged one-way valve. When this happens, a pin or toothpick can be used to pick out the debris that is clogging the valve.
- The aluminum heating tube can become clogged with calcium. This problem is fairly easy to solve when vinegar is run through the machine once to eliminate the calcium afterward the vinegar is cleansed with water. The water is run twice.
The most difficult problems to handle with the coffee maker include the failure of the heating coil and the malfunctioning of the sensor switches. These parts are not easily replaced so the solution in most situations is to get a brand new coffee maker. These kinds of problems always damage the coffee maker completely.
THE BEST CHOICE COFFEE MAKERS THAT ARE EASY TO USE
BRAUN BREWSENSE DRIP COFFEE MAKER
The coffee maker is very simple to use and it is very solid. It can be programmed to begin brewing coffee long before you wake up by setting up the clock. It can produce about 12 cups of coffee. Click here to see on Amazon
NINJA HOT AND COLD-BREWED COFFEE MAKER
This coffee maker can brew a hot cup of coffee for you or it could make you a cold cup of coffee depending on what you prefer. It is fairly affordable and can last really long. Click here to see on Amazon
BLACK + DECKER 12 CUP PROGRAMMABLE COFFEE MAKER
This is a very cheap coffee maker. It is so simple that a lot of people consider it to be a great choice. It has some of the best reviews on the internet by most users. Click here to see on Amazon
DELONGI NESCAFE DOLCE GUSTO
This coffee maker comes with a steamer and can easily be referred to as one of the simplest machines to maintain. It is also very affordable and does not take up so much space. Click here to see on Amazon
SUMMARY OF IS IT NORMAL FOR STEAM TO COME OUT OF THE COFFEE MAKER?
The laws of science explain simply why steam must come out of a coffee maker. It might be a source of bother for a user that does not know how these principles and concepts work. The steam from a coffee maker can only damage the cabinet in the kitchen but this is a problem that is easy to manage.
