Filter Coffee Makers

In a sea of costly barista-style coffee machines, filter coffee makers are the reliable, simple original method of making coffee. They are inexpensive and can be bought on the high streets for about PS20.

The filter coffee makers are equipped with many functions such as a clock that can get you up with a cup of coffee at the right time. They heat water to the perfect temperature to brew filter coffee.

1. Chemex

Since its invention by Peter Schlumbohm, in 1941 the sleek and elegant glass Chemex has been a popular choice for coffee lovers. The hourglass-shaped flask is like an Erlenmeyer flask which is probably the source of the name from (or perhaps Fleming got inspiration from it when writing From Russia With Love). It's been a cult in the world of specialty coffee for its stylish aesthetic and crystal clear filter coffees that are easy to see through.

Similar to other pour over coffee makers such as the V60 dripper and Melitta filter coffee maker is a manual brewing method where hot water is poured over the ground in a steady and controlled manner that allows for an even extraction of flavour. To get the best drip coffee machine uk Chemex brew, it is necessary to use medium-coarse grinds and the right 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 take out more of the coffee fines and oils that could cause your brew to have a bitter taste.

Once the Chemex is full, simply lift out the filter and the beverage is ready to drink. Allow your brew to 'bloom,' or absorb the water for 30 seconds, before pouring. This will allow the ground expand and absorb the water so that the brew is not over-extracted.

The only downside of the Chemex filtered coffee makers maker is that it takes a bit longer to brew a cup coffee than other filter coffee makers and requires a bit of expertise to get the most effective results. It's not as good in making large batches of coffee as an electronic filter machine. So it's better for those who prefer small batches and manual brewing.

2. Moccamaster

The Moccamaster might not come with the bells and whistles that other modern machines do, but it's still a reliable machine that will never lose its appeal. Its brewing process heats the water to just above boiling point, which is perfect for filter coffee as it helps eliminate bitterness that is often associated with boiling coffee.

It's energy efficient because the Moccamaster can keep the water at the optimal temperature throughout the process of brewing. In addition, its design permits it to be easily taken apart and cleaned, ensuring that the components will remain fresh and clean between uses.

If you're looking to make a good cup, you should use a medium-fine grind. This is the same as the Chemex pour-over or brewer. This will ensure that the grounds are evenly dispersed and don't impede water flow. The Moccamaster comes with a showerhead that sprays grounds evenly to ensure that they are extracted.

Another benefit of the Moccamaster is that it's very easy to maintain. It's made of high-end materials like 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 an excellent choice for filter coffee enthusiasts 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! Coffee Hit has a full range of slow coffee filters.

3. Wilfa

The Norwegian company Wilfa makes outstanding filter coffee makers that focus on functionality, simplicity and stunning design. Their products showcase Scandinavian minimalism at its best. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker is one such example, it has an intriguing style that makes this auto maker stand out from the rest. This premium filter coffee maker exudes confidence, with a 5-year warranty which guarantees its durability.

The design of this brewer makes it simple to install, fill with water and begin making. The brewer comes with an 1 litre water tank that can be easily cleaned. The pump technology in the brewer ensures that the entire system drains with each brew, unlike other coffee makers with filter technology that leave water in the system, affecting subsequent brews. This lets you use fresh water for each batch of coffee, ensuring that your dripping coffee machine is always good.

With the Classic Plus, you'll find a simple yet smart design with many useful features including the manual flow control wheel (close it for a time to make more strength in your drink) and an overflow drain inside the filter holder, a light that reminds you to descale the appliance, an automatic shut-off and a manual drip stopper to prevent spills on the hotplate. The brewer heats water quickly to a desirable temperature of 92-96degC for optimal extraction.

This brewer can make 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 keep the coffee at the perfect drinking temperature. This is an excellent feature and an important selling point over other filter coffee makers that only keep the coffee warm on the hotplate.

4. Bonavita

This top-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 user-friendly. It comes with a stainless steel carafe with an 1.3-liter capacity and can be used with standard flat bottom filters (not the cones with #4 that are recommended by Moccamaster and other SCAA-certified machines).

The design of the Bonavita is simple and clean, and it includes a built-in filter holder to keep the filters in place during the brewing process. This helps to prevent mess during the brewing process. The machine also features a shower head that ensures an even distribution of water across the grounds, resulting in a greater extraction of aromas and flavors.

The Bonavita's ability of controlling the temperature of the water is a further reason why it's an excellent filter coffee maker. Thermocouple readings from the brew basket showed that the water was at the ideal temperature within minutes. The average internal temperature stayed at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the remaining brewing process and only fluctuated just a few degrees in either direction.

The Bonavita is, like other programmable coffee makers can be programmed to start at a specific time and to establish the brew duration. It is also able to be adjusted to a specific brew size and temperature. This feature makes it possible to make just one cup at a go which is great for busy families.

One drawback of the Bonavita is that it lacks the pre-infusion feature, which helps improve flavor by encouraging more of the ground coffee to become saturated with water. It is also difficult to accurately determine the amount of coffee grounds needed as the different coffees have different density. The most precise method to determine the amount of grounds is to weigh them on a scale rather than using a teaspoon.

5. Melitta

From the brand that invented filter coffee comes this machine with several features that improve your coffee drinking experience. There's a drip stop built into the filter holder to avoid spills when you remove the jug. It also has a handy keep-warm feature, so you can enjoy freshly made coffee for up to 40 minutes after the brew has been complete.

The jug and basket are made of high-quality borosilicate glass. They are easy to clean either by hand or in your dishwasher. The epour also comes with a practical LED limescale indicator that lets you know 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 can result in a bitter tasting cup of coffee.

This machine is ideal for those who are seeking a machine with smaller footprint. The Aroma Elegance is just a little wider and taller than the Moccamaster, but it can still be placed in a corner thanks to its angle design. It is simple to operate with only one hand and comes with a clearly laid out selection button layout. The tank of water can be easily removed making it easy to fill it up.

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