Filter Coffee Makers
In a sea of costly barista-esque coffee machines filter coffee makers are the dependable, simple traditional method of brewing. They are affordable and can be bought on the high streets for about PS20.
These filter coffee makers come with various functions including a timer to make you feel refreshed with an espresso at the perfect time. They heat water to the perfect brewing temperature for filter coffee.
1. Chemex
Since its invention by Peter Schlumbohm, in 1941, the sleek and stylish glass Chemex has become a favorite for coffee drinkers. The flask's hourglass shape is similar to an Erlenmeyer flask which is probably the reason for the name (or maybe Fleming was influenced by it when he wrote From Russia With Love). It's been a cult in the specialty coffee scene because of its elegant design and crystal clear filter coffees that are easy to see through.
Like other pour over coffee makers, such as the V60 dripper and Melitta, this filter coffee maker is a manual brewing method where hot water is poured over the pre-soaked grounds in a steady and controlled manner that allows for an even extraction of flavour. To get the most out of your Chemex coffee, you have to use medium-fine grinds and the right filter. Chemex uses more robust filters that are 'lab grade rather than the thin paper filters used in most filter machines. These filters are able to remove more coffee oils and fines which can cause your brew to have a bad taste.
Once the Chemex is full, you simply take the filter out and the beer is ready for drinking. A good suggestion is to let the brew "bloom for 30 seconds prior to pouring, this helps the ground expand and absorb the water so that it's not over extracted.
The only downside of a Chemex coffee maker is that it takes a bit longer to brew a cup coffee than other filter coffee makers, and requires experience to get the best results. It's not as good at making large batches of coffee as an electronic filter machine. Therefore, it's best for those who prefer small batches and manual brewing.
2. Moccamaster
Although it might not have all the bells and whistles that are found in more modern machines, the Moccamaster is still a reliable workhorse that is likely to never go out of style. The method used to brew coffee will heat water to a point that is just above boiling temperature, which is ideal for filter coffee as it reduces bitterness.
It's energy-efficient because the Moccamaster can keep the water at the ideal temperature throughout the process of brewing. Additionally, its design permits it to be removed and cleaned, meaning the components can be kept clean and fresh between use.
When it comes to a good cup of filter coffee you should use a medium-fine grind--just like a Chemex or pour-over brewer, to make sure the grounds are evenly dispersed and don't block water flow. The Moccamaster comes with a showerhead that sprays grounds evenly to ensure extraction.
The Moccamaster has a further advantage It's very easy to maintain. It is constructed from top-quality materials, including 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 great choice for filter coffee enthusiasts who are looking for a premium 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 full range of slow-coffee filters, check out my friends at Coffee Hit.
3. Wilfa
The Norwegian company Wilfa produces outstanding filter coffee machines with a focus of simplicity, functionality and great design. Their products show Scandinavian minimalism at its best. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker is one of them It has an interesting style that makes this auto brewer stand out from the crowd. It also oozes confidence with a 5 year guarantee warranty that ensures the durability of this premium filter coffee maker.
The design of this brewer makes it easy to install, fill with water and start making. The brewer comes with one litre of water that is removable tank that is easy to clean. The pump technology ensures the entire system is completely emptied after each brew. This is unlike other coffee makers that leave water behind and impact subsequent brews. This lets you make use of fresh water for each new batch of coffee, ensuring that your coffee will always taste great.
With the Classic Plus, you'll find an elegant and simple design that has a variety of useful features like a manual flow control wheel (close it for a while to get more strength in your brew) as well as an overflow drain in the filter holder, an indicator that reminds you to descale your appliance, an automatic switch off and an automatic drip stopper to prevent spills on the hotplate. This brewer heats water quickly to the desired temperature of 92-96degC.
This brewer can produce between one and 10 cups of filter coffee Each cup is approximately 250ml, and takes about three to four minutes to prepare. The maker comes with a stainless steel thermo jug to help in keeping the brewed coffee at the right temperature for drinking. This is a fantastic feature that sets it out from other filter coffee makers which only keep the coffee warm.
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 is easy to use. It features a stainless steel carafe with capacity of 1.3-liter capacity and is compatible with standard flat bottom filters (not the cones in #4 that are recommended by Moccamaster and other SCAA-certified machines).
The design of the Bonavita is simple and clean and comes with an inbuilt filter holder that keeps the filters in place during brewing. This prevents contamination during the brewing process. It also comes with shower heads that guarantee even distribution of water over the grounds, resulting in a better extraction of aromas and flavors.
Its precise control over water temperature is another reason to consider the Bonavita an excellent filter coffee maker. The thermocouple readings from the brew basket showed that the water had reached the ideal temperature within minutes. The average internal temperature remained at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the remainder of the brewing cycle and only fluctuated a few degrees in either direction.
The Bonavita is, like other coffee makers that can be programmed can be programmed to start at a certain time and to establish a specific brew period. It can also be adjusted to a specific brew size and temperature. This feature allows you to only brew one cup at a time, which can be helpful for busy families.
One downside to the Bonavita is that it does not have the pre-infusion feature, which helps improve flavor by encouraging more of the ground coffee to absorb water. Furthermore, it is difficult to accurately measure the amount of grounds needed due to the fact that different coffees have varying densities. It is recommended to weigh the grounds on an instrument instead of using a tablespoon, as this is the most accurate way to do it.
5. Melitta
This machine is from the company that invented the filter coffee filter. It comes with a range of features that will enhance your brewing. The filter holder comes with an anti-drip stop to prevent spills while removing the jug. It also has a handy keep-warm function, so you can enjoy your freshly made coffee for up to 40 minutes after the brew is complete.
Coffeee UK , the filter basket and lid are made of high-quality borosilicate glasses. The jug and filter basket are easily cleaned by hand or in the dishwasher. The epour features a handy LED limescale indicator, so you can know when to descale. The model also comes with a built in bloom setting which helps to release unwanted trapped CO2 that could result in a bitter tasting cup of coffee.
If you're looking for a machine with an extremely small footprint, this is it. The Aroma Elegance is slightly taller and wider than the Moccamaster, but it can be placed in a corner due its angled design. It's simple to operate with only one hand and comes with a clearly laid out layout of the buttons. The water tank can be easily removed, making it easier to fill it up.
The machine can be programmed to make coffee at a specific time. This allows you to wake up with fresh hot filter coffee that can save you both time and energy. Aroma Elegance comes with additional functions that will improve your brewing experience with features like programmable water softness, auto-descaling and three settings to keep warm. Melitta is also an eco-friendly company, using sustainably sourced materials and chlorine-free paper for their filters. This is evident in their products and packaging that are 100 100% recyclable.