Abstract: A coffee or tea pot is placed on a base plate of the coffee/tea maker. A boiler zone which includes a boiler vessel is located laterally adjacent the pot so that the pot is heated from the side when placed on the base plate in a predetermined position, as determined, for example, by locating notches or grooves. The boiler unit is laterally extended to partly surround the circumference of the side walls of the pot with extension wings. The back of the extension wings is insulated, for example by a housing, which also surrounds the boiler. The arrangement permits a short path of boiling water or steam from the boiler to the top of the pot, while efficiently transferring heat thereto.