Filter Coffee Makers

In a sea of costly barista-like coffee machines, filter coffee makers are the dependable, simple original method of making coffee. They are cheap and can be purchased at the market for around PS20.

These filter coffee drip machine makers usually include normal functions like a timer to wake you up with a pot of coffee at just the right moment. They can heat water to a perfect temperature to brew filter coffee.

1. Chemex

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

This filter coffee maker similar to other pour-over coffee makers such as the V60 dripper or Melitta is a manual brewing technique that involves pouring hot water slowly over pre-soaked ground in a controlled way to ensure an even extraction. To make the best Chemex coffee, you have to use medium-fine grinds and the correct filter. Contrary to the thin paper filters used in the majority of filter coffee machines, Chemex uses thicker 'lab-grade filters that take out more of the coffee fines and oils that can cause your brew to have a bitter taste.

When the Chemex is full, simply take the filter out and your brew is ready to drink. Allow your brew to 'bloom or absorb the water for 30 seconds before pouring. This will help the ground expand and absorb the water so that the brew is not drained too much.

The drawback to Chemex Chemex is that it will take longer than some other filter coffee makers to make your cup of coffee. It also requires a certain amount of expertise for the best small drip coffee maker results. It also doesn't lend itself as well to making a lot of cups in one go like an electric filter coffee machine and is therefore better suited for smaller batches, and for those who are interested in the art and art of manual making coffee.

2. Moccamaster

While it may not have all the bells and whistles of modern devices, the Moccamaster is still a reliable workhorse that will likely never be outdated. Its brewing process heats water to just above boiling point which is perfect for filter coffee as it eliminates bitterness that is sometimes associated with boiling coffee.

The fact that the Moccamaster can keep the water at an ideal temperature throughout the entire brew process, makes it an energy-efficient device. Plus, its design allows it to be removed and cleaned, meaning the components will remain clean and fresh between uses.

If you're looking to make a quality cup, use a medium-fine grinding. This is the same as a Chemex pour-over or brewer. This will ensure that the grounds are evenly distributed and do not block the water flow. The Moccamaster includes a showerhead that sprays grounds evenly to ensure that they are extracted.

Another great feature of the Moccamaster is that it's easy to maintain. It is made from high-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 a great choice for filter coffee enthusiasts who are in search of an excellent 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 a focus of simplicity, efficiency and stunning design. Their products show Scandinavian minimalistism at its best. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker is one of them, it has an intriguing design that makes this automatic brewer stand out from the crowd. It also exudes confidence with a a 5 year guarantee warranty that ensures the durability of this top-quality filter coffee maker.

The design of this brewer makes it easy to set up, fill it with water and start brewing. This brewer features one litre of water that is removable tank that is easy to clean. The pump technology ensures the entire system is cleaned after each brew. This is different from other filter coffee machines that leave water behind, which can impact subsequent brews. This lets you make use of fresh water for each new batch of coffee, making sure that your coffee will always taste great.

With the Classic Plus, you'll find a simple yet smart design with many useful features like a flow control knob that can be manually operated (close it for a few minutes to enjoy a stronger brew) as well as an overflow drain in the filter holder, an indicator that reminds you to descale your appliance, an automatic shut-off and an automatic drip stopper to prevent spills on the hotplate. The brewer quickly heats water to the desired temperature of 92-96degC.

This brewer is capable of making between one to 10 cups of filter coffee. Each cup is 250ml and takes between three and four minutes. 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 an excellent feature and a big selling point over other filter coffee makers which only keep the coffee warm on a hotplate.

4. Bonavita

Unlock your coffee's full potential with this top-rated auto drip filter coffee brewer. The Bonavita Connoisseur has a minimalist design and is simple to operate. It features a stainless steel carafe with a 1.3-liter capacity and is compatible with standard flat bottom basket filters (not the cones with #4 that are recommended by Moccamaster and other SCAA-certified equipment).

The design of the Bonavita is clean and simple and comes with an inbuilt filter holder that keeps the filters in place while the brewing process. This prevents any mess that may occur during the process of brewing. The machine is equipped with a showerhead that distributes water evenly over the grounds. This allows for better extraction of flavors.

The Bonavita's ability to control water temperature precisely is another reason why it's a great filter coffee maker. The thermocouple readings from the brew basket showed that the water had reached the perfect temperature in just a few minutes. The average internal temperature remained at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit for the remainder of the brewing cycle with only just a few degrees in either direction.

Like other programmable filter coffee makers like the Bonavita can be programmed to start at a specific time and set to a specific brew time. It is also able to be set to a certain brew size and temperature. This feature makes it possible to brew only one cup at a go, which is useful for busy families.

The Bonavita isn't equipped with the option of pre-infusion that can enhance the flavor by allowing more coffee grounds to be soaked with water. It can also be difficult to accurately measure the amount of grounds required because different coffees have varying densities. The most accurate way to determine the amount of grounds is to weigh them using a scale instead of using the equivalent of a teaspoon.

5. Melitta

This machine is from the brand that invented the filter coffee filter. It comes with a variety of features to enhance the brewing process. There's a drip stop on the filter holder to avoid spills when you remove the jug. The coffee can be kept warm for up to forty minutes after brewing.

The jug, filter basket and lid are made of high-quality borosilicate crystals. They are easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher. The epour also has an effective LED indicator for limescale that lets you know when it's time to descale. The model also has a built-in bloom setting that helps eliminate CO2 that is trapped in the wrong place and could lead to bitter tasting cups of coffee.

If you're looking for a machine that has an extremely small footprint, this is the one. The Aroma Elegance is slightly taller and wider than the Moccamaster but it can still fit in a corner due to its angled design. It has a simple layout of the buttons and is easily operated with one hand. The tank of water is easily removed, making it easier to fill it up.

Another great feature is that the machine can be programmed to brew at a specific time. This allows you to wake up with fresh hot filter coffee, and can save you both time and energy. The Aroma Elegance comes with a range of other features that make your brewing experience more enjoyable, such as the ability to program water hardness, automatic descaling, and 3 keep-warm settings. Melitta makes use of chlorine-free paper and sustainably sourced materials in its filters. This is reflected in their products and packaging, which are 100% recyclable.