Filter Coffee Makers
Filter coffee makers are a basic, reliable alternative to the expensive barista-style coffee machines. They're affordable to purchase and are available on the high street for about PS20.
These coffee makers for filtering typically have normal functions including the ability to wake you up with a pot of coffee at the right moment. They make sure that the water is heated to the perfect temperature for brewing filter coffee.
1. Chemex
The sleek, fashionable glass Chemex coffee maker has been a popular choice by coffee enthusiasts since its invention by Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. The flask's hourglass shape is reminiscent of an Erlenmeyer flask which is probably the source of the name (or perhaps Fleming was influenced by 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 like the V60 dripper or Melitta is a manual brewing technique that involves pouring hot water slowly over the pre-soaked ground in a controlled manner to ensure an even extraction. To get the most out of your Chemex brew, you need to use medium-coarse grinds as well as the correct filter. Unlike thin paper filters found in many filter coffee machines, Chemex uses thicker 'lab-grade filters that take out more coffee fines and oils that could give your brew a bitter taste.
The brew will be ready to drink after the Chemex has been filled. It is a good idea to let the brew "bloom' for 30 seconds before pouring, this allows the ground expand and absorb the water so that it isn't over extracted.
The only downside of a Chemex coffee maker is that it takes a bit longer to brew a cup of coffee than other filter coffee makers and requires some know-how to achieve the most effective results. It's also not suited as well to making a lot of cups at once like an electric filter coffee maker, so it's more suitable for smaller batches and those who are interested in the art and science of manual making coffee.
2. Moccamaster
The Moccamaster might not come with the bells and whistles that more modern machines do, but it's still a reliable machine that will never go out-of-style. The brewing process heats water to just above the boiling point which is ideal for filter coffee since it prevents the bitterness that can sometimes be associated with boiled coffee.
It's energy efficient because the Moccamaster can keep the water at an ideal temperature throughout the making process. Plus, its design allows it to be disassembled and washed, so the components can be kept clean and fresh between use.
If you're looking to make a great cup, use a medium-fine ground. This is the same as the Chemex pour-over or brewer. This will ensure that the grounds are evenly dispersed and do not block the 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 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 an excellent option for those 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! For a complete range of slow-coffee filters, be sure to check out my friends at Coffee Hit.
3. Wilfa
The Norwegian company Wilfa produces outstanding filter coffee makers with a emphasis on functionality, simplicity and great design. Their products are the epitome of Scandinavian minimalist design. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker, for example, has a nerdy appearance that makes it stand out. This premium filter coffee maker 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 up with water and then start the process of brewing. Coffeee UK has a 1 litre removable water tank that is easy to clean. The pump technology ensures the entire system is emptied with every brew. This is different from other coffee makers that leave water behind and impact subsequent brews. This allows you to make use of fresh water for each batch of coffee, making sure that your coffee will always taste good.
With the Classic Plus, you'll find an easy-to-use design that comes with a number of useful features, including the manual flow control wheel (close it for a while to get an even stronger beverage) as well as an overflow drain in the filter holder, an indicator that reminds you to descale your appliance, automatic switch off and a drip stopper that can be manually operated to prevent spills on the hotplate. The brewer is able to heat water quickly to the desired temperature of 92 to 96 degrees Celsius.
The brewer can produce between one and 10 cups of filter coffee. Each cup is generously 250ml and takes between three and four minutes. The brewer comes with the thermo jug, which is made of stainless steel to ensure that the coffee is at the perfect drinking temperature. This is a fantastic feature that helps it stand against other filter coffee makers which only keep the coffee warm.
4. Bonavita
This top-rated auto drip coffee maker can help you maximize the potential of your coffee. The Bonavita Connoisseur has a minimalist design and is easy to operate. It features a stainless steel carafe with an 1.3-liter capacity and can be used with standard flat bottom basket filters (not the cones with #4 that are recommended by Moccamaster and other SCAA-certified machines).
The design of the Bonavita is clean and simple and comes with a built-in filter holder that keeps the filters in place while the brewing process. This makes it easier to avoid spills during the process of brewing. The machine is equipped with showerheads that spread water evenly across the grounds. This allows for better extraction of flavors.
The Bonavita's ability to regulate water temperature precisely is another reason it is a great filter coffee maker. Thermocouple measurements from the brew-basket confirmed that water reached the perfect temperature in only minutes. The average internal temperature stayed at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the remainder of the brewing cycle and only fluctuated just a few degrees in either direction.
Like other filter coffee makers that can be programmed such as the Bonavita can be programmed to switch on at a certain time and set to a particular brew time. It can be set to a certain temperature and the size of the brew. This feature lets you only brew one cup at a given time, which is useful for busy families.
The Bonavita does not come with a pre-infusion feature that can enhance the flavor by permitting more ground coffee to be soaked in water. It can also be difficult to determine the exact amount of coffee grounds required as the different coffees have different density. It's best to weigh the grounds on a scale instead of using a spoon, as this is the most precise way to do it.
5. Melitta
From the brand that invented filter coffee comes this machine with several features that improve your coffee enjoyment of brewing. There's a drip stop on the filter holder, which will prevent spills when removing the jug. There's also a handy keep-warm function, allowing you to enjoy your freshly brewed coffee for up to 40 minutes after the brew is complete.
The jug and filter basket are made from high-quality borosilicate glass. The jug and basket can be cleaned by hand or by using the dishwasher. The epour has a handy LED limescale indicator so you can determine when you need to descale. The model also has an inbuilt bloom setting, which allows you to release unwanted trapped CO2 that could result in a bitter tasting cup of coffee.
This machine is perfect for those looking for a machine with an extremely small footprint. The Aroma Elegance is just slightly larger and wider than the Moccamaster however, it can be placed in a corner thanks to its angled design. It features a easy to use selection button layout and can be easily operated by one hand. The tank of water is easily removed, making it easy to fill.
Another advantage is that the machine can be programmed to brew coffee at a particular time. This lets you wake up with fresh hot filter coffee that can save you time and energy. The Aroma Elegance comes with a number of other features that make your coffee brewing experience more enjoyable, such as adjustable water hardness, auto descaling, and three keep-warm settings. Melitta is also an eco-friendly brand made from sustainably-sourced materials and chlorine-free paper in their filters. This is reflected by their products and packaging which are 100% recyclable.