An appliance for making coffee, tea and the like comprises a simple strength control system (20) having an adjustment unit (22) for adjusting the desired quantity ratio between the quantity of water in a water reservoir (2) and the quantity of substance in a filter holder (4). The adjustment unit (22) can adjust the water level 23 in the water reservoir (2) and the level of immersion (25) of a movable element (6) in a water reservoir (2). The water in the water reservoir exerts a buoyancy force on the movable element (6). The movable element exerts a force (21) on a lever (5). The lever (5) is balanced by a quantity of substance to be filtered in a filter holder (4) and the force (21). The strength of the brew is indicated on a strength indicating scale (10, 12, 12a, 12b).