Filter Coffee Makers
In a sea filled with expensive barista-style coffee machines, filter coffee makers are the reliable, simplistic traditional method of brewing. They're affordable to purchase and can be found in the high streets at around PS20.
These filter coffee makers usually include normal functions like an alarm clock that wakes you up with a pot of coffee at the right moment. They can heat the water to the perfect temperature to brew filter coffee.
1. Chemex
The sleek, stylish glass Chemex coffee maker has been a popular choice amongst coffee drinkers since its invention by Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. The flask's shape is reminiscent of an Erlenmeyer flask which is where the name came from (or maybe Fleming was inspired by it when he wrote From Russia With Love). It has been a specialty coffee brand for its sleek design and crystal clear filter brews.
This filter coffee maker like other pour-over coffee makers like the V60 dripper or Melitta is an brewing method that is manual, where hot water is poured slowly over the ground that has been soaked in a controlled manner to ensure an even extraction. To get the best Chemex coffee, you have to use medium-coarse grinds as well as the right filter. Unlike thin paper filters found in most filter coffee machine s, Chemex uses thicker 'lab-grade' filters which remove more coffee fines and oils that can give your brew a bitter taste.
The beverage 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 to expand and absorb the water to ensure that it doesn't get too 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 expertise to get the most effective results. It's not as efficient in making large batches of coffee like an electric filter machine. Therefore, it's best for those who prefer small batches and manual brewing.
2. Moccamaster
The Moccamaster might not come with the bells and whistles more modern devices do, but it's still an efficient machine that will never be outdated. The brewing method it uses will heat water to a point that is just above boiling temperature which is ideal for filter coffee because it helps prevent bitterness.
The fact that the Moccamaster is able to keep the water at a perfect temperature throughout the entire brewing process, makes it an energy-efficient device. Additionally, its design permits it to be easily removed and cleaned, meaning the components will remain clean and fresh between use.
If you are looking to make a great 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 has a showerhead which sprays grounds evenly, ensuring that the coffee is extracted.
Another benefit of the Moccamaster is that it's easy to maintain. It's constructed of top-quality materials, including stainless steel and BPAand 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 option for those who are in search of 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 makes outstanding filter coffee makers that focus on functionality, simplicity and great design. Their products showcase Scandinavian minimalistism at its best. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker is a prime example. It is a quirky design that makes it stand out. This premium filter coffee maker has a sense of security and comes with a 5-year guarantee that ensures its longevity.
This brewer is easy to use. Simply fill it up with water, and you can start brewing. This brewer comes with a 1 litre water tank that is easily cleaned. Its pump technology ensures that the entire system drains after each brew unlike other filter coffee makers that leave water in the system affecting subsequent brews. This enables you to use fresh water for every new batch of coffee, making sure that your coffee will always taste great.
The Classic Plus has a simple but elegant design. It comes with many useful features, such as a flow control wheel that you can manually adjust (close it for a few minutes to get more strength in your drink), an overflow drain within your filter holder as well as a reminder to descale your appliance, an automatic switch-off, and a drip stopper manual that will ensure that no spills fall onto the hotplate. This brewer heats the water quickly to a suitable temperature of 92 to 96 degrees Celsius for the best extraction.
This brewer can make between one to 10 cups of filter coffee. Each cup is 250ml and takes about three to four minutes. The brewer includes the thermo jug, which is made of stainless steel to keep the coffee at the ideal drinking temperature. This is a fantastic feature and a major selling feature over other filter coffee makers which only keep the coffee warm on a hotplate.
4. Bonavita
This top-rated auto drip coffee brewer will help you unlock the full potential of your coffee. The Bonavita Connoisseur is a sleek and minimalist appliance that's user-friendly. It comes with a stainless steel carafe which holds 1.3 liters and can be used to filter coffee using standard flat bottom baskets (not the #4 cones recommended by Moccamaster or other SCAA-certified machines).
The design of the Bonavita is clean and simple and includes a built-in filter holder that keeps the filters in place while the brewing process. This prevents spills during the process of brewing. The machine comes with showerheads that spread water evenly across the grounds. This helps in the extraction of flavors.
The Bonavita's ability to regulate the temperature of water precisely is a further reason why it's an excellent filter coffee maker. Thermocouple readings from the brew basket confirmed that the water was at the perfect temperature in just a few minutes. The average internal temperature remained at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit for the remaining brewing process, only swinging a few degrees in either direction.
The Bonavita is, like other coffee makers that are programmable can be programmed to start at a specific time and to establish a specific brew period. It is also able to be adjusted to a particular size of brew and temperature. This feature makes it possible to make just one cup at a time which is great for busy families.
The Bonavita does not come with a pre-infusion function that can enhance flavor by allowing more ground coffee to be soaked in water. It can also be difficult to accurately measure the amount of grounds required, as different coffees have different densities. It is best to weigh the grounds using an instrument instead of using a spoon, as this is the most accurate way to measure it.
5. Melitta
From the company which invented filter coffee comes this machine with many features to enhance your brewing experience. There's a drip stop in the filter holder to prevent spills when removing the jug. There's also a handy keep-warm feature, so you can take pleasure in your freshly brewed coffee for up to 40 minutes after the brew has been complete.
The jug and filter basket are made of premium borosilicate glass. They are easy to clean by hand or by using your dishwasher. The epour features an LED limescale indicator so that you can determine when you need to descale. The model also has a built in bloom setting, which allows you to release CO2 that has been trapped and unintentionally released. This could lead to a bitter tasting cup of coffee.
This machine is ideal for those seeking a machine with an extremely small footprint. The Aroma Elegance may be slightly taller and wider than the Moccamaster however it still fits in a corner because of its angle design. It is easy to operate with just one hand and comes with an easily-read design of the selection buttons. The tank of water can be easily removed making it easy to fill.
Another benefit is that the machine can be programmed to brew at a certain time. This can save both time and effort as it allows you to awake to a clean hot, hot filter. Aroma Elegance comes with additional features that will improve your brewing experience with features like programmable water softness, auto-descaling and three settings to keep warm. Melitta makes use of chlorine-free paper and sustainably-sourced materials in its filters. This is evident in their packaging and products, which are also 100 recycled to a hundred percent.