Filter Coffee Makers
Filter coffee makers are a basic reliable alternative to expensive barista-style coffee machines. They're inexpensive to purchase and can be found in the high streets for about PS20.
These filter coffee makers come with various functions including a timer to wake you with an espresso at the perfect time. They heat the water to the right brewing temperature for filter-coffee.
1. Chemex
The sleek, stylish glass Chemex coffee maker has been a favourite amongst 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 reason for the name (or maybe Fleming was inspired by it when he wrote From Russia With Love). It's been a coffee brand for its sleek aesthetics and crystal clear filter brews.
Similar to other pour-over coffee makers such as the V60 dripper and the Melitta filter coffee maker is a manual brewing technique where hot water is poured over pre-soaked grounds in a steady and controlled way that allows for an even extraction of flavour. To get the most out of your Chemex brew, it is necessary to use medium-coarse grinds as well as the right filter. Unlike thin paper filters found in the majority of filter coffee machines, Chemex uses thicker 'lab-grade' filters which remove more coffee fines and oils that can give your brew a bitter taste.
The brew will be ready to drink after the Chemex is filled. It is a good idea to let the brew "bloom for 30 seconds prior to pouring, this helps the ground expand and absorb the water, ensuring that it isn't over extracted.
The drawback to a Chemex is that it will take longer than other filter coffee makers to make your cup of coffee. It also requires a certain level of expertise to get the best results. It's not as adept at making large batches of coffee like an electric filter machine. So it's better for those who prefer the manual method of brewing and smaller batches.
2. Moccamaster
The Moccamaster might not come with the bells and whistles that more modern devices do, but it's still a reliable machine that will never go out-of-style. Its brewing process heats the water to just above boiling point which is perfect for filter coffee because it eliminates bitterness that is often caused by boiling coffee.
The fact that the Moccamaster can keep the water at an optimal temperature throughout the entire brew process, makes it a very energy-efficient device. Additionally, its design permits it to be taken apart and cleaned, ensuring that the components are clean and fresh between use.
If you want to make a quality cup, use a medium-fine grinding. This is similar to a Chemex pour-over or brewer. This will ensure that the grounds are evenly dispersed and don't block water flow. The Moccamaster also includes shower heads that spray the grounds to ensure an even extraction.
Another benefit of the Moccamaster is that it's easy to maintain. It's made of high-quality materials, like stainless steel and BPA- and phthalate-free materials. 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 fantastic 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! For a comprehensive selection of slow-coffee filters, check out my friends at Coffee Hit.
3. Wilfa
The Norwegian company Wilfa makes outstanding filter coffee makers with a focus on functionality, simplicity and stunning design. Their products show Scandinavian minimalistism at its best. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker is a prime example, it has an intriguing style that makes this auto maker stand out from the rest. This premium filter coffee maker also is a sign of confidence, with a 5-year warranty that ensures its longevity.
This brewer is easy to use. Simply fill it with water, and you can start the process of brewing. The brewer comes with an 1 litre water tank that is easily cleaned. The pump technology ensures the entire system is cleaned after each brew. This is different from other coffee makers that leave water behind, which can alter the subsequent brews. This enables you to use fresh water for every new batch of coffee, ensuring that your coffee will always taste good.
The Classic Plus has a simple, yet smart design. It has a variety of useful features, like a flow control knob that can be manually adjusted (close it for a short time to ensure an even stronger beverage), an overflow drain within the filter holder as well as a reminder to descale your appliance, an automatic switch-off, and a drip stopper manual to stop spills from spilling onto 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 250ml in volume and takes between three and four minutes. The maker comes with a stainless steel thermo jug to help in keeping the coffee at the perfect temperature for drinking. This is a fantastic feature that sets it out from other filter coffee makers that only keep the coffee warm.
4. Bonavita
This top-rated auto drip coffee maker will allow you to maximize the potential of your coffee. The Bonavita Connoisseur has a minimalist design and is easy to use. It features a stainless steel carafe with capacity of 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 machines).
The design of the Bonavita is simple and clean and includes an inbuilt filter holder that keeps the filters in place while the brewing process. This makes it easier to avoid any mess that may occur during the process of brewing. The machine also has a shower head that ensures even distribution of water over the grounds, which results in a greater extraction of flavors and aromas.
The precise control of water temperature is another reason why the Bonavita is an excellent filter coffee maker. The thermocouple measurements taken from the brew-basket confirmed that the water reached the ideal temperature in just minutes. The average temperature of the brew basket remained at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit for the remainder of the brewing cycle with only just a few degrees in either direction.
The Bonavita, like other coffee makers that can be programmed, can be programmed to begin at a specific time and to establish an exact brew time. It can also be set to a particular temperature and brew size. This makes it possible to brew just one cup at a go, which is useful for busy families.
One drawback of the Bonavita is that it does not have a pre-infusion function that enhances the flavor by allowing more of the ground coffee to absorb water. Furthermore, it is difficult to accurately determine the amount of grounds needed due to the fact that different coffees have different densities. The most accurate method to measure the amount of grounds is to weigh them on an scale, rather than using a teaspoon.
5. Melitta
This machine is from the brand that invented the filter coffee filter. It comes with a range of features that will enhance the brewing process. There's a drip stop on the filter holder to avoid spills when removing the jug. It also has a handy keep-warm function, so you can enjoy your freshly prepared coffee for up to 40 minutes after the brew is complete.
The jug, filter basket and lid are made from high-quality borosilicate glass. The jug and basket are easily cleaned by hand or by using the dishwasher. The epour has an LED limescale indicator, so you can know when to descale. This 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.
This machine is ideal for those looking for a machine with a small footprint. Coffeee might be a little taller and wider than the Moccamaster but it can still fit in a corner due to its angled design. It's simple to operate with only one hand and has a clearly laid out layout of the buttons. The tank of water is easily removed making it easy to fill.
The machine can be programmed to make coffee at a specific time. This allows you to get up to fresh hot filter coffee, and will save you time and energy. The Aroma Elegance has a variety of other functions to make your coffee brewing experience more enjoyable. These include the ability to program water hardness, automatic descaling, and three keep-warm settings. Melitta uses chlorine-free paper and sustainably sourced materials in its filters. This is evident in their packaging and products which are 100% recyclable.