Filter Coffee Makers
In a sea of costly barista-style coffee machines, filter coffee makers are the reliable, simplistic original method of brewing. They are cheap and can be bought on the high streets at around PS20.
These filter coffee makers have various functions, including a clock to make you feel refreshed with the perfect cup of coffee at the perfect time. They heat water to the perfect brewing temperature for filter coffee.
1. Chemex
Since its creation by Peter Schlumbohm, in 1941 the sleek and elegant glass Chemex has been a favorite for coffee enthusiasts. The hourglass shaped flask is similar to an Erlenmeyer flask which is probably where the odd name comes from (or perhaps Fleming took inspiration from it while writing From Russia With Love). It has become a cult coffee icon due to its elegant aesthetics and crystal clear filter coffees.
Similar to other pour over coffee makers such as the V60 dripper and Melitta filter coffee maker is a manual brewing method which involves pouring hot water over the ground in a steady, controlled manner that allows for an even extraction of flavour. The key to a successful Chemex brew is to ensure that your grinds are medium-fine and you are using the correct type of filter. Chemex uses more robust filters that are 'lab grade,' as opposed to 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.
When the Chemex is full, you simply lift out the filter and the beer is ready for drinking. Allow your brew to 'bloom,' or absorb the water for 30 seconds before pouring. This will help the ground expand and absorb it to ensure that the brew is not over-extracted.
The only drawback to a Chemex coffee maker is that it takes longer to make a cup of coffee than other filter coffee makers and requires some expertise to get the most effective results. It also doesn't lend itself as well to making a lot of cups at a time like an electric filter coffee machine, so it's more suitable for smaller batches, and for those who appreciate the art and science of manual making coffee.
2. Moccamaster
The Moccamaster may not have the bells and whistles that more modern machines do, but it's still a reliable machine that will never be outdated. The brewing method it uses heats water just above boiling temperature, which is ideal for filter coffee as it reduces bitterness.
The fact that the Moccamaster is able to keep the water at an ideal temperature throughout the entire brewing process, makes it extremely energy efficient. Additionally, its design permits it to be easily removed and cleaned, meaning the components will remain clean and fresh between use.
If you want to make a quality cup, you should use a medium-fine grind. This is similar to a Chemex pour-over or brewer. This will ensure that the grounds are evenly dispersed and do not block the water flow. The Moccamaster has a showerhead which sprays grounds evenly to ensure that they are extracted.
Another excellent feature 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 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 lovers who want to invest in a high-end filter 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 makes outstanding filter coffee makers that focus on functionality, simplicity and a stunning design. Their products show Scandinavian minimalism at its best. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker, for example, has a nerdy appearance that makes it stand out. It also oozes confidence thanks to a a 5 year guarantee warranty that ensures the durability of this top-quality filter coffee maker.
The design of this brewer makes it simple to install, fill with water and then begin the brewing process. This brewer has an 1 litre water tank that is easy to clean. The pump technology makes sure that the entire system is empty after each brew unlike other filter coffee makers that leave water in the system that affects 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, such as the flow control wheel, which can be manually adjusted (close it for a few minutes to get more strength in your brew), an overflow drain inside the filter holder and an alert to descale your appliance, an automatic switch-off, and a drip stopper manual that will ensure that no spills fall onto the hotplate. The brewer is able to heat water quickly to the desired temperature of 92-96degC.
This brewer can produce between one and 10 cups of filter-coffee, each cup is a generous 250ml and takes three to four minutes to prepare. The brewer includes an insulated thermo jug made from stainless steel to ensure that the coffee is at the perfect drinking temperature. This is a fantastic feature and a major selling advantage over other filter coffee makers that keep the coffee warm on the hotplate.
4. Bonavita
Get the most out of your coffee with this top-rated auto drip brewer. drip coffee maker has a minimalist design and is easy to use. It features a stainless steel carafe with an 1.3-liter capacity and is compatible with standard flat bottom filters (not the #4 cones that are recommended by Moccamaster and other SCAA-certified machines).
The Bonavita is simple and sleek design. It also has an integrated filter holder, which is used to hold the filters while the brewing process. This prevents mess during the brewing process. The machine comes with showerheads that distribute water evenly over the ground. This helps in the extraction of flavors.
Its precise control over water temperature is another reason why the Bonavita is an excellent filter coffee maker. The thermocouple measurements from the brew basin confirmed that the water reached the perfect temperature within minutes. The average internal temperature remained at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the remaining brewing process with only just a few degrees either direction.
Like other filter coffee makers that can be programmed, the Bonavita can be programmed to start at a particular time and set to a certain time for brewing. It is also able to be adjusted to a specific size of brew and temperature. This makes it possible to make just one cup at a go which is great for busy families.
One disadvantage of the Bonavita is that it does not have a pre-infusion function that helps improve flavor by encouraging more of the coffee to absorb water. It can be difficult to accurately determine the amount of coffee grounds required as different coffees have a distinct density. It's best to weigh the grounds using a scale instead of using a spoon, as this is the most precise method to measure it.
5. Melitta
This machine is from the brand that invented the filter coffee filter. It comes with a range of features to improve your brewing. The filter holder has an anti-drip stop to prevent spills while removing the jug. There's also a handy keep warm function, so you can enjoy your freshly brewed coffee for up to 40 minutes after the brew is completed.
The jug and the filter basket are made from high-quality borosilicate glass. The jug and the filter basket are easily cleaned by hand or in the dishwasher. The epour comes with an LED limescale indicator that lets you'll know when it's time to descale. This model has a built-in bloom setting that helps to release CO2 trapped in the system, which can cause a bitter tasting cup.
This machine is ideal for those seeking a machine with smaller footprint. The Aroma Elegance may be slightly taller and wider than the Moccamaster however it still fits into a corner due to its angle design. It's easy to operate with just one hand and comes with an easily-read design of the selection buttons. The water tank is easily removed, making it easy to refill.
The machine can be programmed to prepare coffee at a particular time. This lets you wake up with fresh hot filter coffee, and will save you time and energy. The Aroma Elegance comes with a number of other features that make your coffee brewing experience more enjoyable. These include adjustable water hardness, auto descaling, and three keep warm settings. Melitta is also an eco-friendly company made from sustainably-sourced materials and chlorine-free paper in their filters. This is reflected in their packaging and products which are 100 recycled to a hundred percent.