Filter Coffee Makers

Filter coffee makers are a basic reliable alternative to expensive barista style coffee machines. They are affordable and can be found on the high streets for about PS20.

These filter coffee makers usually include normal functions like a timer to wake you up with a pot of coffee at the right moment. They make sure that the water is heated to the ideal temperature for brewing filter coffee.

1. Chemex

Since its creation by Peter Schlumbohm, in 1941 the sleek and elegant glass Chemex has become a favorite among coffee drinkers. The flask's hourglass shape is similar to an Erlenmeyer flask which is where the name came from (or perhaps Fleming was influenced by it when writing From Russia With Love). It's become a symbol in the world of specialty coffee because of its elegant design and crystal clear filter coffees that are easy see through.

Similar to other pour-over coffee makers, such as the V60 dripper as well as the Melitta, this filter coffee maker is a manual brewing method where hot water is poured over pre-soaked grounds in a steady and controlled manner that allows for an even extraction of flavor. The key to a good Chemex brew is to ensure that your grinds are medium coarse and that you use the correct filter. Contrary to the thin paper filters used in the majority of filter coffee machines, Chemex uses thicker 'lab-grade filters that remove more coffee fines and oils that could give your brew a bitter taste.

Once the Chemex is full, just need to remove the filter and drip coffee brewer the beer is ready for drinking. Allow your brew to 'bloom or absorb the water for 30 seconds, before pouring. This will help the ground expand and absorb it to ensure that the brew does not over-extracted.

The only drawback to the Chemex coffee maker is that it takes longer to make a cup of coffee than other filter coffee makers and requires some experience to get the most effective results. It's also not suited to making a large number of cups at once like an electric filter coffee machine and is therefore better suited for smaller batches, and for those who enjoy the art and technique of manual making coffee.

2. Moccamaster

The Moccamaster may not have the bells and whistles more modern machines do, but it's still an efficient machine that will never lose its appeal. Its brewing process heats the water to a point that is just above boiling which is ideal for filter coffe machine coffee since it eliminates bitterness that is often caused by boiling coffee.

It's energy-efficient because the Moccamaster can keep the water at an optimal temperature for the entire process of brewing. Its design makes it simple to take apart and clean, so that the components can remain fresh and clean between usages.

If you want to make a quality cup, use a medium-fine grinding. This is similar to a Chemex brewer or pour-over. This will ensure that the grounds are evenly dispersed and don't impede water flow. The Moccamaster also includes a shower head that sprays the grounds to ensure an even extraction.

The Moccamaster has another great feature It's very easy to maintain. It is constructed from top-quality materials like stainless steel, as well as BPA and phthalate free plastics. Its flat water tank cover is a breeze to remove, and its wide mouth makes it easy to pour water into--which can be crucial during those coordination-challenged predawn hours.

The Moccamaster is a fantastic option for those who are in search of a top-quality coffee maker. Its build quality and functionality are backed up by an impressive list of coffee aficionados who are using it in their cafes, roasters, and coffee shops--including the triple-Michelin-starred restaurant Alain Ducasse! For a comprehensive selection of slow-coffee filtering, check out my friends at Coffee Hit.

3. Wilfa

The Norwegian company Wilfa produces excellent filter coffee machines that have a a focus of simplicity, efficiency and stunning design. Their products are the epitomize of Scandinavian minimalist design. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker is one such example It has an interesting design that makes this automatic maker stand out from the crowd. This premium filter coffee maker also exudes confidence and comes with a 5-year guarantee that ensures its longevity.

This brewer is easy to use. Simply fill it with water and then start the process of brewing. This brewer has an 1 litre water tank that is easily cleaned. The pump technology ensures the entire system is completely emptied after every brew. This is different from other filter coffee machines that leave water behind and impact subsequent brews. This lets you use fresh water for every new batch of coffee ensuring your coffee will always taste good.

The Classic Plus has a simple but elegant design. It comes with many useful features, including a flow control knob that can be manually adjusted (close it for a few minutes to get an even stronger beverage), an overflow drain within the filter holder, an alert to descale your appliance, an automatic shut-off, and a drip stopper manual that will stop spills from spilling onto the hotplate. The brewer heats water quickly to a suitable temperature of 92-96degC for optimal extraction.

The brewer can make between one and 10 cups of filter-coffee Each cup is 250ml and takes three to four minutes to make. The brewer comes with an stainless steel thermo jug for keeping the brewed filtered coffee makers at the ideal drinking temperature. This is a fantastic feature that sets it out from other coffee makers that only keep the coffee warm.

4. Bonavita

This top-rated auto drip coffee brewer can help you unlock the full potential of your coffee. The Bonavita Connoisseur is a sleek and minimalist appliance that's easy to use. It has a stainless steel carafe that can hold 1.3 Liters and can be used to filter coffee using standard flat bottom baskets (not the cones #4 recommended by Moccamaster or other SCAA-certified machines).

The Bonavita has a simple and sleek design. It also comes with a built in filter holder that holds the filters while brewing. This makes it easier to avoid messes during the brewing process. The machine comes with showerheads that distribute water evenly over the grounds. This allows for better extraction of flavors.

The Bonavita's ability to control water temperature precisely is a further reason why it's a great filter coffee maker. The thermocouple measurements taken from the brew-basket confirmed that water reached the ideal temperature in just minutes. The average temperature of the brew basket remained at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the remainder of the brewing cycle and only fluctuated just a few degrees either direction.

Like other programmable filter coffee makers, the Bonavita can be programmed to turn on at a certain time and set to a specific time to brew. It can be set to a certain temperature and size of brew. This feature allows you to brew just one cup at a time which is great for busy families.

The Bonavita isn't equipped with a pre-infusion feature, which can improve flavor by allowing more coffee grounds to be saturated with water. It can be difficult to determine the exact amount of coffee grounds needed as the different coffees have different density. It's best to weigh the coffee on a scale instead of using a tablespoon, as this is the most precise method to measure it.

5. Melitta

From the company that invented filter coffee, comes this machine with a number of features to enhance your enjoyment of brewing. There's a small drip coffee maker stop built into the filter holder to avoid spills when removing the jug. The coffee can be kept warm for up to 40 minutes after the brewing.

The jug and filter basket are made of premium borosilicate glass. They are easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher. The epour also has an LED limescale indicator to let you can tell when it's time to descale. The model also comes with a built in bloom setting which helps to eliminate CO2 that is trapped in the wrong place and could lead to a bitter tasting cup of coffee.

This machine is ideal for those seeking a machine with smaller footprint. The Aroma Elegance is a little taller and wider than the Moccamaster but can still fit in a corner because of its angle design. It has a easy to use selection button layout and can be easily operated using just one hand. The tank of water can be easily removed and makes it easy to fill it up.

Another benefit is that the machine can be programmed to brew at a certain time. This will save time and effort as it allows you to wake up to a fresh, warm filter. Aroma Elegance also comes with other features that can enhance your coffee brewing experience with features like programmable water softness, auto-descaling and three settings to keep warm. Melitta uses chlorine-free papers and sustainably sourced materials in its filters. This is evident in their packaging and products that are 100 100% recyclable.