Filter Coffee Makers
In a sea of costly barista-like coffee machines, filter coffee makers are the reliable, simplistic traditional method of brewing. They are cheap and can be purchased on the high street for about PS20.
These filter coffee makers usually come with normal functions, such as an alarm clock that wakes you up with a cup of coffee at just the right time. They can heat the water to the perfect brewing temperature for filter-coffee.
1. Chemex
The sleek, elegant glass Chemex coffee maker has been a favorite amongst coffee lovers since it was invented by Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. The hourglass-shaped flask reminiscent of an Erlenmeyer flask which is probably where the odd name comes from (or perhaps Fleming took inspiration from it when he wrote From Russia With Love). It's been a coffee icon for its stylish aesthetics and crystal clear filter brews.
Similar to other pour over coffee makers such as the V60 dripper and the Melitta filter coffee maker is a manual brewing method which involves pouring hot water over the pre-soaked grounds in a steady, controlled way that allows for an even extraction of flavor. The most important thing to ensure a great Chemex brew is to ensure that your grinds are medium-fine and that you utilize the correct type of filter. In contrast to the paper filters that are thin and found in the majority of filter coffee machines, Chemex uses thicker 'lab-grade filters that remove more of the coffee fines and oils that can cause your brew to have a bitter taste.
The brew will be ready to drink after the Chemex has been filled. A good tip is to let your brew 'bloom' for 30 seconds before pouring, this helps the ground expand and absorb the water so that it's not over extracted.
The only drawback of a Chemex coffee maker is that it takes longer to brew a cup of coffee than other filter coffee makers and requires some expertise to get the best results. It's not as efficient at making large quantities of coffee as an electronic filter machine. It's therefore better suited for those who prefer small batches and manual brewing.
2. Moccamaster
The Moccamaster may not have the bells and whistles more modern machines do, but it's still a reliable machine that will never be outdated. The method used to brew coffee will heat water to a point that is just above the boiling point, which is ideal for filter coffee as it reduces bitterness.
The fact that the Moccamaster is able to keep the water at an optimal temperature throughout the entire brewing process makes it extremely energy efficient. Its design makes it simple to disassemble and wash, so that the components remain clean and fresh in between use.
If you're looking to make a good cup, you should use a medium-fine ground. This is similar to the Chemex pour-over or brewer. This will ensure that the grounds are evenly dispersed and don't impede water flow. The Moccamaster also comes with a shower head that sprays the grounds to ensure an even extraction.
The Moccamaster is also a great product: it is very easy to maintain. It is made from high-quality materials, including stainless steel, and 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 great choice for filter coffee lovers who want to invest in a high-end filter 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! Coffee Hit has a full range of slow filters for coffee.
3. Wilfa
The Norwegian company Wilfa produces amazing filter coffee machines with a an emphasis on simplicity, functionality and great design. Their products display Scandinavian minimalistism at its best. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker is a prime example It is a striking style that makes this auto maker stand out from the crowd. This premium filter coffee maker also has a sense of security and comes with a 5-year guarantee that guarantees its durability.
This brewer is easy to use. Simply fill it with water, and you are able to begin making. This brewer features an 1 litre water tank that is easy to clean. The pump technology makes sure that the entire system empties after each brew, unlike other coffee makers with filter technology that leave water in the system, affecting subsequent brews. This enables you to make use of fresh water for each new batch of coffee, making sure that your coffee will always taste good.
The Classic Plus has a simple, yet smart design. It is equipped with a number of useful features, including a flow control knob that can be adjusted manually (close it for a short time to get more strength in your beverage) as well as an overflow drain within your filter holder and a reminder to descale your appliance, an automatic shut-off, and a drip stopper manual to stop spills from spilling onto the hotplate. This brewer heats the water quickly to a desired temperature of 92-96degC for optimal extraction.
The brewer can produce between one to 10 cups of filter coffee. Each cup is 250ml in size and takes between three and four minutes. The brewer includes a thermo jug made of stainless steel to keep the coffee at the perfect drinking temperature. This is an excellent feature and a big selling feature over other filter coffee makers that keep the coffee warm on hot plates.
4. Bonavita
This best-rated auto drip coffee brewer will allow you to unlock the full potential of your coffee. The Bonavita Connoisseur is a sleek and minimalist appliance that's user-friendly. It comes with a stainless steel carafe which holds 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 is a simple and clean design. It also has an inbuilt filter holder that holds the filters while the brewing. This makes it easier to avoid messes during the brewing process. The machine also features a shower head that ensures even distribution of water over the grounds, which results in a better extraction of aromas and flavors.
Its precise control over water temperature is another reason why the Bonavita is an excellent filter coffee maker. The thermocouple measurements from the brew basin confirmed that the water was at the perfect temperature within minutes. The average internal temperature was 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the brewing process, only fluctuating a few degrees either way.
The Bonavita, like other programmable coffee makers can be programmed to begin at a particular time and to set an exact brew time. It can be set to a particular temperature and size of brew. This feature lets you make only one cup at any given time, which can be useful for busy families.
The Bonavita does not have a pre-infusion function, which can improve flavor by allowing more ground coffee to be soaked with water. It is also difficult to accurately determine the amount of coffee grounds required as different coffees are of varying density. It is recommended to weigh the grounds on an instrument instead of using a tablespoon, as this is the most precise way to do it.
5. Melitta
From the company which invented filter coffee is this machine that has many features to improve your coffee brewing experience. There's a drip stop on the filter holder, which will prevent spills when removing the jug. The coffee can be kept warm for up to 40 minutes after making.
The jug and the filter basket are made of premium borosilicate glass. More about the author are easy to clean by hand or by using your dishwasher. The epour has a handy LED limescale indicator, so you can determine when you need to descale. The model also comes with a built-in bloom setting that helps release CO2 that has been trapped and unintentionally released. This can result in a bitter tasting cup of coffee.
If you're looking for a machine that has a small footprint, this is it. The Aroma Elegance is a little wider and taller than the Moccamaster however, it can still be placed in a corner thanks to its angled design. It has a easy to use selection button layout and is easily operated by one hand. The tank of water is easily removed, making it easier to fill.
The machine can be programmed to make coffee at a specific time. This lets you get up to fresh hot filter coffee, and can save you time and energy. Aroma Elegance also comes with other features that can improve your brewing experience, such as programmable water softness, auto-descaling and 3 keep warm settings. Melitta utilizes chlorine-free paper and sustainably sourced materials in its filters. This is evident in their products and packaging, which are 100 100% recyclable.