Abstract: A method and a machine for preparing beverages, wherein the machine has a liquid feeding unit, a gas source at atmospheric pressure, an infusion chamber and an infusion circuit; wherein during a dispensing cycle for preparing a beverage the method provides the following steps: at least partially filling the circuit with gas at atmospheric pressure by means of said gas source; feeding the liquid into the circuit by means of said feeding unit so as to push inside the infusion chamber, filled with the infusion product, some gas already present in the circuit before the inlet of the liquid; and dispensing the beverage.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a beverage brewing system, including: a brewing chamber configured to hold a brewing fluid; a brew material filter within the brewing chamber; a vacuum source and a vent valve each coupled to the brewing chamber, the vacuum source and the vent valve being configured to be actuated consecutively; and a drain valve coupled to the brewing chamber.

Abstract: A beverage extraction device includes: a cylinder, having a bottomed cylindrical shape, having a lower-surface opening which is closed with a bottom portion; a mesh member, having a disk shape, having a plurality of through holes, moving close to and away from the bottom portion to extract beverage from beverage raw material and hot water, fed through an upper-surface opening of the cylinder, so that the extracted beverage is discharged through an extraction passage connected to the bottom portion; an ultrasonic vibrator provided on the bottom portion; and a control unit, when a cleaning instruction is given, driving the ultrasonic vibrator in a state where the hot water is stored in the cylinder to apply ultrasonic waves to the hot water, and causing the mesh member to move close to and away from the bottom portion.

Abstract: Kombucha, kefir, and other fermented beverages may be manufactured using a fermenter that draws off some fermented beverage, then adds starter liquid to a fermenter. Production may be regulated by managing heat, oxygen, or other inputs to achieve a desired quantity of finished beverage output, and production may be increased or decreased to match consumption. A controller may monitor beverage consumption and may adjust processing variables to achieve production goals, while automatically managing the overall process. A system may have a feed tank from which unprocessed liquid may be added to the fermenter at the same or similar quantities as finished beverage may be transferred to a dispensing system. The system may operate with little expertise or knowledge by a human operator.

Abstract: An apparatus for making espresso coffee has at least one delivery unit, a hydraulic circuit connected to the delivery unit, and a driving device having a lever movable between a first position and a second position. The delivery unit has a first cylinder with a piston slidably mounted therein and at least one braking device having a second cylinder. The second cylinder is connected to a circuit independent of the first cylinder. The movement of the first cylinder charges water and discharges water from the first cylinder.

Abstract: A cold water extraction system and method for preparing a beverage includes a cold water extraction chamber for brewing a beverage; an insulated beverage storage chamber for storing the beverage brewed in the cold water extraction chamber; a drip band for controlling flow of liquid between the cold water extraction chamber and the beverage storage chamber and a sealing cap configured to seal the beverage storage chamber.

Abstract: Container holder (3) for use in a nutritional liquid preparation machine (1) for the preparation of a nutritional liquid from the mixture of ingredients contained in a container and liquid supplied by the machine in the container; said holder comprising a body with a container receiving seat (31) arranged for receiving the container (4) in a defined container sitting position and a filtration unit (12); such filtration unit comprising a liquid outlet (25) wherein the filtration unit is arranged with the container holder to be movable between a first position in which the container receiving seat (31) of the holder is uncovered for enabling the loading and unloading of the container in the container holder and a second position in which the container receiving seat (31) is covered by the filtration unit for enabling the liquid outlet (25) of the filtration unit to be positioned at the inlet side of the container (4) when a container is present in the container holder (3).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an infusion machine comprising a boiler having first heating means provided for heating a liquid suitable for infusion preparation, in particular for espresso coffee preparation, at least one supplying group (14), and infusion means (43, 43b) provided for infusion preparation and associated with second heating means (46). The supplying group (14) in the machine further comprises an accumulation chamber (41) hydraulically connected to the infusion means (43, 43b) and arranged to contain a certain amount of liquid. Second heating means (46) are provided, which are arranged to directly heat the liquid contained in the accumulation chamber (41) for hydraulically feeding the infusion means (43). The invention also relates to the supplying group and the method of manufacturing the machine.

Abstract: A press assembly is adapted to be used with a disposable stackable cup. According to the preferred embodiment, the press includes a filter. A resilient radially compressible support forms a seal is formed between the filter and the interior of the cup. A detachable rod is mounted to the support. The support is sized to accommodate all radii of the cup. As the user presses down the rod, the press assembly is pushed downward to the bottom of the vessel. The seal maintains continual and firm pressure on the inside surface of the vessel so that the pressurized liquid passes through the filter and the infusion substance is trapped.

Abstract: A bottle pouring dispenser featuring a dispenser housing having a lower end configured to be removably attached to and cover an open end of a bottle. The bottle pouring dispenser includes a valve providing one-way hydraulic communication from the bottle to a chamber defined within the dispenser housing. The dispenser housing has upper and lower chamber portions. A flavorant is disposed within the upper chamber portion in solid form and it is dissolvable in liquid so as to add flavoring to liquid flowing through the chamber. The flavorant is held spaced above a floor of the chamber, such that a lower portion of the chamber defines a drain volume beneath the flavorant for receiving liquid draining from about the flavorant. The bottle pouring dispenser further includes a pour spout extending from an upper end of the dispenser housing, for dispensing the flavored liquid from the chamber.

Abstract: A device for feeding milk from a storage container (8) to a dispensing device (3), containing a feeding line (9), whose intake end (9a) is detachably connected to the storage container (8), and with a cleaning possibility for at least a portion of the exterior of the feeding line (9). In order to enhance a device of this type such that the cleaning is simplified, a cleaning mechanism (11) be provided for the exterior of the feeding line (9), which comprises a rinsing area (12) for holding the portion of the feeding line (9) that is to be cleaned. The rinsing area (12) contains a hot water intake opening, a steam intake opening, a cleaning agent intake opening, or cold water intake opening (17), and also a connection opening (14) for the detachable introduction of the portion to be cleaned.

Abstract: A coffee maker includes a water storage device having a water tank and a water outlet piping communicating with the water tank; a driving device having a driving motor and a driving shaft; and a swing device having a rotating mechanism mounted on the driving shaft and a shifting mechanism connected to the water outlet piping and moving along with the rotating mechanism when the latter rotates. The water outlet piping is brought by a horizontal rotational movement of the rotating mechanism and a linear movement of the shifting mechanism to swing and shift in a spiral rotational course from a center point to outer and inner areas of a filter in a reciprocating motion while pouring water at controlled volume and stability, enabling ground coffee beans on the filter to be quickly and evenly extracted by water to release aromatic smell and sweet flavor just like drip brewing manually.

Abstract: A beverage cup lid and a system and method incorporating such a lid is provided. The lid holds an individual serving dose of a beverage to be brewed. Hot water is poured into a chamber of the lid to brew the beverage. The brewed beverage is fed into an underlying cup through an outlet in the lid. The beverage can be consumed through an opening in the lid without removing the spent grounds contained in the lid, from which the beverage was brewed.

Abstract: The invention discloses a plunger-filter beverage-making machine with a lid which can be closed by a valve. The beverage-making machine has a vessel (2), a lid (3) and a filter piston (4) which can be vertically displaced in the vessel and has a piston rod (41). The lid (3) contains a pouring opening (37) which can be closed by means of an elongate lever (33) which extends transverse to the piston rod. To this end, the lever is mounted on the lid such that it can pivot about a horizontal axis. The lever has, in the region of its front end, a closure body (36) in order to close the pouring opening and, in the region of its rear end, an operating region (331) in order to pivot the lever by virtue of pressure exerted by a finger of a user.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a pressed coffee maker is provided. The coffee maker can comprise a tank for storing coffee solution; a screen disposed in the tank for pressing coffee grounds in the tank; and a squeegee to clean the tank. A removable bottom can be used to both add new coffee grounds and remove used coffee grounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage production device for preparing a liquid comestible from a portioned food substance contained in a sealed capsule. The device includes a centrifugal unit for receiving the sealed capsule, a driving mechanism connected to the centrifugal unit for enabling a rotational motion of the centrifugal unit, a liquid supply connected to the centrifugal unit, a flow rate or pressure measuring mechanism for the supplied liquid and a controller for controlling the rotational speed of the driving mechanism dependent on the measured flow rate or the measured pressure of the liquid.

Abstract: Infused beverages are produced using ultrasound energy. The device delivers ultrasound energy to the target, producing infused beverages that may have more flavor and smoothness and are safer than conventionally produced infused beverages. The process of infusing one or more ingredients with a beverage comprises placing the ingredients with beverage, placing an ultrasound transducer at a predetermined location from the ingredients, and sonicating the ingredients by applying ultrasound energy from the ultrasound transducer. The process can comprise the additional step of pulverizing the ingredient. The steps can occur in any order, including partially or completely simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention proposes an herbal tea machine having a reservoir for receiving herbal tea leaves and water mixture. Said reservoir is associated with an opening for introducing water and herbal ingredients. Said herbal tea machine comprises a heating arrangement for effecting boiling. To prevent overflowing due to frothing, heat transferred to the reservoir is reduced in the beginning of boiling and boiling occurs under reduced heat. The present invention further comprises means for lowering herbal ingredients into the water to improve infusion effect thereof.

Abstract: A filter setting and sealing apparatus includes a wobble plate mounted to press a filter edge into a plane defined by the top rim of a brew cup. A sealer defined by expandable sealer jaws is moveable into the filter. The jaws are actuated for radial outward expansion to seal the filter to the cup proximate the filter rim and cup edge. A second sealer is used to seal any gaps remaining in the seal after initial sealing.

Abstract: A pad holder of a coffee maker for making coffee with a foam layer on top includes a stud plate having studs for supporting a coffee pad containing ground coffee beans and an outlet opening for delivering coffee extract. Studs in the direct vicinity of the outlet opening are arranged in a circle, where surfaces of the studs form a circular directing surface. During operation of the coffee maker, a flow of coffee extract enters a space encompassed by the studs via channels between the studs, and is put into rotation as a result of interaction with the directing surface. Consequently, the coffee flow enters the outlet opening in a rotating condition, causing the outlet opening to deliver the coffee as a spray of fine droplets, from which the foam is created.

Abstract: A beverage maker which has an open top container, a filter insert and a lid. The lid comprises a lid lower part having a lower lid wall in which an insertion opening is configured for inserting the filter insert. In order to prevent liquid from pouring or squirting out of the container and in order to reduce heat losses, the lid lower part is sealingly held on the container, a pouring spout is configured in the lower lid wall and the lid comprises a closure for the pouring spout. The closure has a lever which is mounted above the lower lid wall to be swivelable about a horizontal axis. The lever has an actuation region in order to swivel the lever from a first position in which the closure closes the pouring spout to a second position in which the closure releases the pouring spout.

Abstract: A disposable device for making beverages from extractable products comprises a cup, a filter partition mounted on the inner wall of the cup separating the useful volume in the cup into an upper compartment and a lower compartment, and extractable products inside the lower compartment. The extractable products include but are not limited to tea leaves and ground coffee beans. The filter partition stops the tea leave residues and coffee bean residues from entering the upper compartment while allowing the extracted soluble material to flow through the filter into the upper compartment for drinking without being bothered by residual tea leaves or coffee grounds. The device is easy, convenient, quick to use, low cost to manufacture, and safe to carry.

Abstract: The dripping device contains a body member, a blocking member at the bottom of the body member with a through channel to allow the brewed drink to flow through, a filter member, and an engaging member vertically moveable to allow/stop the flowing of the brewed drink. The major characteristics of the present invention are as follows. The inner wall of the body member is configured with a number of protruding locking elements for locking the filter member in its place. The engaging member has a vertical column with an upper cylinder on which a valve element is mounted. The valve element is made of a flexible material and is for blocking the through channel of the blocking member. The dripping device has advantages such as enhanced water-tightness, easy assembly, lower cost, and the problem of the conventional spherical blocking element is avoided.

Abstract: Water purification system comprising filtration media sized with respect to each other to allow a first contaminant in the water to saturate the first medium with a delay prior to saturation of the second medium with a second contaminant.

Abstract: Provided is a coffee making kettle using Venturi, including a kettle body having a bottom forming a through opening and defining a first chamber and a second chamber. The opening has an upper circumference from which two opposite inclined surfaces extend upward. Top edges of the inclined surfaces form a circular opening. The first chamber is located above the second chamber and is greater in volume than the second chamber. The second chamber is in communication with the through opening. When a paper filter that contains an object-to-be-brewed (such as coffee powders) is positioned in the kettle body and liquid (such as hot water) is added, the liquid is filtered by the paper filter and is guided by the inclined surfaces into the second chamber, so that the brewing liquid is subjected to the effect of Venturi to induce a pressure difference and increase of flowing speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preparing an infused beverage. The device includes an infusion container for containing liquid and comprising an opening to allow liquid to flow out of the container. The device further includes a receptacle comprising a cavity for receiving a cartridge containing infusible matter. The infusion container and the receptacle are operable in relation to each other to be arranged in a position wherein the infusion container and the cavity communicate through the opening. The device further comprises an openable and closable passage communicating with the cavity to allow liquid to flow from the infusion container to the passage through the cavity. The device further includes a cleaning means for introducing a liquid and/or vapor within the infusion container and a removing means for removing the cartridge from the cavity. An operating means is arranged for operating the cleaning means and the removing means successively.

Abstract: A pod for mixing an amount of a tacky material and water. The pod may include a sidewall and a base positioned about the sidewall. The base may include a number of apertures and a number of spikes. The spikes may include a top point of about three (3) to about fifteen (15) degrees.

Abstract: A foldable brew basket has a rectangular bottom panel with an aperture through it, four side panels, and at least two rim panels. Two of the side panels are made of sub-panels with hingeable interconnections, while two of the side panels are flat. Like side panels are hingeably attached to opposite edges of the rectangular bottom panel and hingeably connected at their ends to unlike side panels. The rim panels are hingeably attached to the top edge of like side panels. In a usable configuration, the foldable brew basket has its sides approximately vertical with the rim panels approximately horizontal. In a folded configuration, the flat sides are folded toward the center of the bottom panel, while the side panels having sub-panels fold either inwardly or outwardly, flexing between the sub-panels. Some embodiments will also have a water permeable filter pouch containing brewing material.

Abstract: An infusion maker which includes a hollow body member having a surrounding flange and a through hole at the bottom and a hinged cover at the top; a filter member inside the body member covering the through hole; a blocking element for blocking the through hole; and an engaging member configured under the body member capable of moving up and down relative to the body member. The cover has a guiding plate for guiding condensed water drops to flow back into the body member. The blocking element tightly rests on a sleeve element at the through hole of the body member. The flange has a larger diameter than that of the engaging member and has a number of foot rests so as to protect the engaging member and to stably support the body member.

Abstract: A pad holder (16) of a coffee maker for making coffee having a foam layer on top comprises a stud plate (17) having studs for supporting a coffee pad containing ground coffee beans and an outlet opening (20) for delivering coffee extract. A number of studs (18a) in the direct vicinity of the outlet opening (20) are arranged in a circle, surfaces (24) of the studs (18a) forming a circular directing surface. During operation of the coffee maker, a flow of coffee extract enters a space (27) encompassed by the studs (18a) via channels (23) between the studs (18a) and is put into rotation as a result of interaction with the directing surface. Consequently, the coffee flow enters the outlet opening (20) in a rotating condition, causing the outlet opening (20) to deliver the coffee as a spray of fine droplets, from which the foam is created.

Abstract: The present invention relates to portafilter (1) for an espresso machine, which portafilter (1) is made of brass and comprises an inner surface, wherein the inner surface of the portafilter is coated first with a layer of primer (2) and then a layer of fluoropolymer (3) and wherein the layer of primer (2) enables attachment of the layer of fluoropolymer (3) to the inner surface of the portafilter (1).

Abstract: A method for brewing tea comprises filling a first tank with water, transferring a volume of the water from the first tank to a second tank, and heating the volume of the water in the second tank. The method further comprises placing a plurality of tea leaves in a receptacle, wherein the receptacle is in fluid communication with the second tank. Portions of the volume of water in the second tank are circulated through the receptacle, such that the portions flow over the tea leaves and return to the second tank, resulting in a brewed tea.

Abstract: A liquid infusion pod having a fluid distribution member and a liquid permeable first filter member. The filter member is sealed to the fluid distribution member forming a first interior chamber that contains a liquid dispersible material. The fluid distribution member has at least one injection nozzle protruding downward from the top of the fluid distribution member into the interior chamber. The injection nozzle has at least one infusion port that directs fluid into the first interior chamber in a direction that is not normal to the top plane of the fluid distribution member.

Abstract: A process for making a hot beverage, such as coffee or tea, includes placing ground coffee or tea into a filter, inserting the filter into a filter basket to support the filter with respect to a reservoir that is to receive a brewed beverage; introducing water into the filter; and repeatedly deforming the filter to alter its shape as water passes through the filter and ground coffee or tea en route to the reservoir. A device for making a hot beverage includes a drive and a filter basket. The filter basket defines a filter basket chamber for receiving an associated filter. The filter basket includes a movable component operably connected to the drive and movable for deforming the associated filter. The movable component is operable between a first operating position where the filter chamber has a first dimension and a second operating position where the filter chamber has a second dimension that is smaller than the first dimension.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for precisely placing a beverage brewing filter into a beverage brew cup. Air pressure and velocity are used to overcome variations in the filter or environment. A hard stop and a filter catch are used to catch a filter at a first position, and to shuttle the filter to a second position to be placed in a brew cup. A shoulder may be provided in the catch to prevent rebound.

Abstract: A press assembly is adapted to be used with a disposable stackable cup. According to the preferred embodiment, the press includes a filter. A resilient radially compressible support forms a seal is formed between the filter and the interior of the cup. A detachable rod is mounted to the support. The support is sized to accommodate all radii of the cup. As the user presses down the rod, the press assembly is pushed downward to the bottom of the vessel. The seal maintains continual and firm pressure on the inside surface of the vessel so that the pressurized liquid passes through the filter and the infusion substance is trapped.

Abstract: A tea cup device includes a container having a chamber for receiving a tea or other drinkable materials, and a filter device disposed in the container for separating the chamber of the container into two separated compartments, and for receiving the tea in either of the compartments, and for allowing the tea to be completely opened or stretched after disposed in water, and the filter device may block the tea for preventing the tea from flowing into the mouth of the user while drinking the tea. The filter device may completely or partially block the chamber of the container, or may includes one or more screen members coupled together, or may includes a cup-shaped structure.

Abstract: A device for producing beverages by infusion of a ground product, includes an infusion chamber capable of receiving the ground product and a hot water circuit passing through the infusion chamber. Characteristically, the device includes at least one additional infusion chamber placed in series with the first infusion chamber in the hot water circuit.

Abstract: A beverage maker has a removable beverage preparation assembly (4) that includes beverage collection unit, which in this example is a foam unit (30). The foam unit (30) is positioned below a nozzle for discharging prepared beverage and comprises a receptacle divided into several foam compartments (31). The foam unit (30) can be rotated about an axis A so that each of the foam compartments can be positioned under the nozzle (25). In use, beverage is dispensed by the nozzle (25) as a jet of liquid that impacts a surface of one of the foam compartments to produce foam. The beverage is then dispensed from the foam compartment the through an opening (32) and along an outlet (33) into a cup for drinking. Subsequent beverages can be prepared using different foam compartments (31).

Abstract: A hygiene device for a coffee or espresso machine comprises an upper surface for receiving hot water from the machine, a lower surface adapted to be contaminated by flavor-containing materials in a basket while preventing the flavor-containing materials from contaminating the machine, a sufficiently small opening for allowing hot water to pass through to the flavor-containing materials and preventing the flavor-containing materials from reaching the upper surface, and a handle for allowing a user to move the hygiene device to allow the flavor-containing materials contaminated on the lower surface to be washed away. The hygiene device may comprise a seal member for forming an airtight seal with the rim or side wall of basket to enable a vacuum building-up therein to prevent dripping when disposing the wet flavor-containing materials.

Abstract: A system for brewing a beverage from a liquid. The system preferably comprises a device for steeping brewing ingredients in a liquid. The liquid is delivered to the steeping device through a contaminant removing device, such as a filter. The contaminant removing device is alternatively disposed, by way of a positioning device, either between the liquid supply and the steeping device or in a position wherein the contaminant removing device can be dried, cleaned, or replaced. A method of using such a system is also provided.

Abstract: Espresso coffee capsules (2, 2a) having an essentially rotationally symmetric shape, especially the frustum of a right cone, being fitted and slide into an essentially cylindrical magazine tube (1) of a magazine which can be set up vertically. The espresso coffee capsules can be stacked in the magazine tube (1). The magazine tube (1) has a removal opening (4) at the bottom, allowing the espresso coffee capsules to be removed. The magazine tube (1) has, at the top (5), an insertion guide (6) that has a side insertion opening (7) so that the espresso coffee capsules can be inserted simply and exactly into the magazine tube.

Abstract: A brewer device for brewing single servings of a beverage, while also functioning as a cup closure lid. The lid includes a filter assembly to hold a brew substance, such as coffee grounds, a lip to secure said device to the mouth of a cup, and a frangible tab to allow consumption of the beverage without removing the lid. To enhance the aroma of the beverage while it is being consumed, the brew substance is held on top of the lid just below the position of the consumer's nose. Other brew substances, such as tea, cocoa, bouillon, etc., may be used.

Abstract: A filtering device for an espresso-type coffee maker of the type having a spout to deliver heated water under pressure, and a receptacle to receive brewed filtered coffee having a metallic filter in the path of heated coffee passing to the receptacle, and at least one layer of a paper filter in the path of the heated coffee passing to the receptacle that captures lipids and grounds from the brewed coffee.

Abstract: A beverage brewing method for producing a brewed beverage having a serving temperature within a predetermined serving temperature range. A beverage brewing appliance includes a brewing apparatus for infusing a beverage brewing substance retained therein to extract a brewed beverage therefrom. The appliance also includes a first water source having a water heater coupled thereto for providing and delivering brewing water to the brewing apparatus within a predetermined range of brewing temperatures to produce a desired brewed beverage. The brewing appliance also includes a second water source for providing and delivering temperature reduction water to the brewed beverage within a temperature range which, when mixed with the brewed beverage results in a final beverage dispensed from the brewing apparatus within a predetermined serving temperature ranges.

Abstract: A brewing device for a domestic espresso maker includes a brewing chamber adapted to be filled with coffee grounds. The brewing chamber has on its outlet side a filtering means and on its inlet side a piston entering the brewing chamber along the wall thereof and closing the chamber, so that water arriving from a source of pressure is forced into the brewing chamber. The water subsequently flows out of the brewing chamber at the end close to the filtering means as an espresso beverage. In the path of flow of the water, a safety device responsive to a critical pressure in the pressure system is provided between the source of pressure and the brewing chamber. In the presence of pressures prevailing under normal operating conditions, the outlet orifice is outside the brewing chamber; in the presence of a pressure exceeding a critical value, a displacement of the piston relative to the wall of the brewing chamber occurs, such as to cause the outlet orifice to become part of the brewing chamber.

Abstract: This invention solves the problem of disposal of used coffee membrane filters and wet coffee grounds neatly with decreased probabilities of spilling coffee grounds on the floor, table or dumping them loose in a trash container. Thus, several embodiments provide different ways to close and secure the open top of the filter membrane after insertion of coffee grounds into the filter for making coffee, thereby to provide a closed unit that can be disposed of without spilling the beans. Thus, drawstrings or adhesive tabs may be provided in the rim of the filters for closure, or additional flaps or cover sheets may be attached to the rim of the filter to close the open filter mouth.

Abstract: A coffee brewing machine utilizes a microprocessor controller and, preferably, preformed coffee filter packs in which the filter packs form a rectangular array. The microprocessor controller regulates the temperature of the prepared coffee in the reservoir at the base of the machine, the operation of the water distributor in the swingable lid or cover of the machine and of other operating conditions thereof.

Abstract: A method and an assembly for brewing beverages in portions, such as freshly brewed coffee, in packages, where at first an outer cup is delivered to a filling means conveying the cup below successive ingredient delivering means and a water feeding means for filling the first outer cup with the desired liquid and corresponding flavorings. Then a filtering means places a second, inner cup on the surface of the liquid in the outer cup, whereupon the inner cup is pressed into the outer cup by means of a piston means. The inner cup comprises a bottom acting as a filter for the liquid. During the compressing of the two cups the liquid is enclosed in an air-tight space between the two cups, the volume of said space being gradually reduced during the compressing. This results in a filtering of the liquid in the outer cup upwards into the inside of the inner cup during the compressing. The residue is left between the two cups. The resulting package is then ready to be delivered.

Abstract: An electric coffee or tea maker wherein a supply of water softening agent is installed in the region of the outlet of a water tank so that the stream of water which is discharged by the tank when the maker is in use is acted upon by the softening agent before it enters the conduit or conduits which convey the stream through an electric heater and thereupon into a receptacle for comminuted coffee beans or tea leaves. This prevents gradual clogging of the conduits with boiler scale. The supply of softening agent can be replenished or replaced. This is determined by looking through an observation window so as to ascertain the color of the softening agent. The color is indicative of the condition of the softening agent, i.e., whether or not the softening agent is still capable of performing its water-softening function.