Filter Coffee Makers
In a sea filled with expensive barista-like coffee machines, filter coffee makers are the dependable, simple original method of making coffee. They're affordable to purchase and can be found on the high street for around PS20.
These filter coffee makers usually include normal functions like an alarm clock that wakes you up with a cup of coffee at the right time. They can heat the water to the perfect temperature for brewing filter coffee.
1. Chemex
The sleek, stylish glass Chemex coffee maker has been a favorite amongst coffee enthusiasts since its invention by Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. The hourglass-shaped flask is reminiscent of an Erlenmeyer flask, which is likely 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 design and crystal clear filter coffees.
This filter coffee maker, like other pour-over coffee makers such as the V60 dripper or Melitta is manual brewing method which involves pouring hot water slowly over the ground that has been soaked in a controlled way to ensure a uniform extraction. The key to a successful Chemex brew is to make sure that your grinds are medium coarse and that you utilize the right type of filter. Unlike thin paper filters found in the majority of filter coffee machines, Chemex uses thicker 'lab-grade' filters which remove more of the coffee fines and oils that could cause your brew to have a bitter taste.
The beverage will be ready to drink after the Chemex is filled. Allow your brew to 'bloom,' or absorb the water for 30 seconds before pouring. This will help the ground expand and absorb it so that the brew is not over-extracted.
The downside to Chemex is that Chemex is that it may take longer than other filter coffee makers to make your cup of coffee and requires a certain amount of expertise for the best results. It also doesn't lend itself as well to making a lot of cups at once like an electric filter coffee maker which is why it's better for smaller batches and for those who are interested in the art and science of manual making coffee.
2. Moccamaster
Although it might not have all the bells and whistles of modern machines but the Moccamaster is still a reliable workhorse that will likely never go out of style. The brewing process heats water to just above boiling point which is perfect for filter coffee as it helps eliminate bitterness that is often associated with boiled coffee.
The fact that the Moccamaster is able to keep the water at a perfect temperature throughout the entire brew process, makes it an energy-efficient device. Plus, its design allows it to be taken apart and cleaned, ensuring that the components can be kept fresh and clean between uses.
If you want to make a quality cup, you should use a medium-fine grind. This is similar to the Chemex brewer or pour-over. This will ensure that the grounds are evenly dispersed and do not block the water flow. The Moccamaster also includes a shower head that sprays the grounds to ensure a consistent extraction.
Another excellent feature of the Moccamaster is that it's very easy to maintain. It is constructed from top-quality materials such as 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 an excellent choice for filter coffee lovers who want to invest in a premium 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 outstanding filter coffee makers that focus on simplicity, functionality and stunning design. Their products are the epitome of Scandinavian minimalistic design. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker is a prime example. It has a cool, nerdy design that makes it stand out. This premium filter coffee maker has a sense of security, with a 5-year warranty that guarantees its durability.
The design of this brewer makes it easy to set up, fill with water and then begin making. This brewer has an 1 litre water tank that is easy to clean. The pump technology in the brewer ensures that the entire system empties with each brew, unlike other coffee makers with filter technology that leave water in the system, affecting subsequent brews. This allows you to use fresh water for each batch of coffee, making sure that your coffee is always good.
The Classic Plus has a simple, yet smart design. It is equipped with a number of useful features, such as a flow control wheel that you can manually adjust (close it for a few minutes to get an even stronger beverage), an overflow drain within the filter holder and the reminder to clean your appliance, an automatic shut-off, and a drip stopper manual that will stop spills from spilling onto the hotplate. The brewer is able to heat water quickly to the desired temperature of 92 to 96 degrees Celsius.
This brewer can produce between one and ten cups of filter coffee, each cup is a generous 250ml and takes around three to four minutes to prepare. The brewer includes the thermo jug, which is made of stainless steel to ensure that the coffee is at the ideal drinking temperature. This is a fantastic feature that makes it stand against other filter coffee makers that only keep the coffee warm.
4. Bonavita
This best-rated auto drip coffee brewer can help you make the most of your coffee. The Bonavita Connoisseur is a sleek and minimalist appliance that's easy to use. It comes with a stainless steel carafe that holds 1.3 liters and can be used to filter coffee using flat bottom baskets (not the cones #4 recommended by Moccamaster or other SCAA-certified machines).
The design of the Bonavita is clean and simple and comes with an integrated filter holder to keep the filters in place while brewing. This makes it easier to avoid mess during the brewing process. The machine also features a shower head that ensures even distribution of water over the grounds, which results in better extraction of flavors and aromas.
The Bonavita's ability to regulate the temperature of water precisely is another reason it is a great filter coffee maker. The thermocouple readings of the brew basket confirmed that the water had reached the ideal temperature within minutes. The average internal temperature remained at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit for the remaining time of the brewing process, only swinging a few degrees in either direction.
The Bonavita as with other coffee makers that can be programmed, can be programmed to begin at a specific time and to set an exact brew time. It can also be set to a certain size of brew and temperature. This feature allows you to make only one cup at any given time, which is useful for busy families.
One downside to the Bonavita is that it lacks a pre-infusion function that enhances the flavor by allowing more of the coffee to become saturated with water. It can be difficult to accurately determine the amount of grounds of coffee needed because different coffees have a distinct density. It's best to weigh the grounds on an instrument instead of using a tablespoon, since this is the most precise way to do it.
5. Melitta
From the company which invented filter coffee is this machine that has a number of features to enhance your brewing experience. The filter holder has a drip-stop to prevent spills while taking the jug out. There's also a handy keep-warm function, so you can take pleasure in your freshly made coffee for up to 40 minutes after the brew is completed.
The jug and basket are made of high-quality borosilicate glass. The jug and basket can be cleaned easily by hand or by using the dishwasher. The epour also comes with an effective LED indicator for limescale that lets you'll know when it's time to descale. This model comes with a built-in bloom setting that allows you to release trapped CO2 which can result in an bitter tasting cup.
This machine is perfect for those who are looking for a machine with smaller footprint. The Aroma Elegance may be a little taller and wider than the Moccamaster but it can still fit in a corner because of its angle design. It is simple to operate with only one hand, and features clearly laid out design of the selection buttons. The water tank is easily removed, making it easy to refill.
Coffeee UK is that the machine can be programmed to brew at a certain time. This lets you get up to fresh, hot filter coffee and can save you time and energy. The Aroma Elegance comes with a range of other features that make your brewing experience more enjoyable, including programmable water hardness, auto descaling, and 3 keep-warm settings. Melitta makes use of chlorine-free papers and sustainably sourced materials in its filters. This is evident in their products and packaging, which are 100 recycled to a hundred percent.