Filter Coffee Makers
Filter coffee makers are a straightforward and reliable alternative to expensive barista-style coffee makers. They are inexpensive and can be found on the high street for around PS20.
These filter coffee makers usually come with normal functions, such as the ability to wake you up with a pot of coffee at the right moment. They can heat the water to the right brewing temperature for filter-coffee.
1. Chemex
The sleek, elegant glass Chemex coffee maker has been a popular choice for coffee drinkers since its invention by Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. The flask's hourglass-shaped shape is similar to an Erlenmeyer flask which is probably where the name came from (or perhaps Fleming was influenced by it when writing From Russia With Love). It has become a cult coffee brand for its sleek aesthetics and crystal clear filter coffees.
Similar to other pour over coffee makers like the V60 dripper and Melitta, this filter coffee maker is a manual method of brewing where hot water is poured over the pre-soaked grounds in a steady, controlled manner that allows for an even extraction of flavour. To make the best Chemex coffee, you have to use medium-fine grinds and the correct filter. Chemex makes use of thicker filters, which are lab-grade rather than the thin paper filters found in many filter machines. These filters remove more coffee oils and fines, which can give your brew an unpleasant taste.
Once the Chemex is full, you just need to remove the filter and your beverage is ready to drink. A good suggestion is to let your brew "bloom for 30 seconds prior to pouring, this allows the ground to expand and absorb the water, ensuring that it isn't over extracted.
The only drawback of a Chemex coffee maker is that it takes a bit longer to brew a cup coffee than other filter coffee makers and requires a bit of know-how to achieve the most effective results. It also doesn't lend itself to making large quantities of cups in one go like an electric filter coffee machine, so it's more suitable for smaller batches and those who appreciate the art and art of manual making coffee.
2. Moccamaster
The Moccamaster might not come with the bells and whistles that other modern machines do, but it's still an efficient machine that will never be outdated.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 since it prevents bitterness.
It's energy efficient since the Moccamaster can keep the water at the optimal temperature for the entire brewing process. Its design makes it simple to take apart and clean, to ensure that the components remain clean and fresh in between use.
When it comes to making a good filter coffee cup it is recommended to use a medium-fine grind--just like a Chemex or pour-over brewer, to make sure the grounds are evenly distributed and don't hinder flow of water. The Moccamaster includes a showerhead that sprays grounds evenly to ensure extraction.
The Moccamaster is also a great product: it is very easy to maintain. It is constructed from top-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 a great choice for those who are looking for 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 simplicity, functionality and great design. Their products display 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. It also oozes confidence thanks to a 5-year guarantee that supports the longevity of this top-quality filter coffee maker.
This brewer is easy to use. Simply fill it up with water, and you can begin making. The brewer comes with one liter of water tank that is easily cleaned. The pump technology makes sure that the entire system drains after each brew unlike other coffee makers with filter technology that leave water in the system affecting subsequent brews. This allows you to use fresh water for each new batch of coffee, making sure that your coffee will always taste great.
With the Classic Plus, you'll find an easy-to-use design with many useful features like a manual flow control wheel (close it off for a while to get an even stronger drink), overflow drain in the filter holder, an indicator that reminds you to clean the appliance, an automatic shut-off and an automatic drip stopper to stop spills on the hotplate. This brewer heats water quickly to the desired temperature of 92 to 96 degrees Celsius.
The brewer can produce between one to 10 cups of filter coffee. Each cup is generously 250ml in size and takes three to four minutes. The brewer comes with an stainless steel thermo jug that is designed for keeping the coffee at the ideal drinking temperature. This is a great feature that makes it stand out from other coffee makers that only keep the coffee warm.
4. Bonavita
This top-rated auto drip coffee brewer can help you unlock the full potential of your coffee. The Bonavita Connoisseur has a minimalist design and is simple to operate. It has 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 equipment).
The Bonavita is simple and clean design. It also comes with an integrated filter holder, which is used to hold the filters during brewing. small filter coffee machine helps to prevent mess during the brewing process. It also comes with shower heads that guarantee uniform distribution of water over the grounds, resulting in better extraction of flavors and aromas.
The Bonavita's ability to control the temperature of water precisely is another reason it is an excellent filter coffee maker. The thermocouple measurements from the brew basin confirmed that the water was at the perfect temperature within minutes. The average internal temperature remained at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the rest of the brewing process, with only fluctuating by a few degrees.
The Bonavita, like other coffee makers that can be programmed can be programmed to begin at a particular time and to establish an exact brew time. It is also able to be adjusted to a specific size of brew and temperature. This feature lets you brew only one cup at a given time, which can be useful for busy families.
The Bonavita does not come with a pre-infusion function, which can improve flavor by allowing more ground coffee to be soaked with water. It can be difficult to determine accurately the amount of grounds of coffee needed because different coffees have a distinct density. The most precise method to measure the amount of grounds is to weigh them using a scale instead of using a teaspoon.
5. Melitta
From the company which invented filter coffee is this machine that has several features that improve your coffee brewing experience. The filter holder features a drip-stopper to avoid spills while removing the jug. The coffee can be kept warm for upto forty minutes after brewing.
The jug and basket are made of premium borosilicate glass. They are easy to clean either by hand or in your dishwasher. The epour has a handy LED limescale indicator so that you can know when to descale. This model has a built-in bloom setting that allows you to let out CO2 that has been trapped, which can result in an bitter tasting cup.
If you're looking for a machine with a small footprint, this is it. The Aroma Elegance may be a little taller and wider than the Moccamaster however it still fits in a corner because of its angle design. It is easy to operate using just one hand and has an easily-read layout of the buttons. The water tank is easily removed, making it easy to refill.
The machine can also be programmed to brew coffee at a certain time. This lets you awake with fresh hot filter coffee, and can save you both time and energy. Aroma Elegance also has other features that will enhance your coffee brewing experience with features like programmable water softness, auto-descaling and 3 keep warm settings. Melitta makes use of chlorine-free papers and sustainably sourced materials in its filters. This is reflected by their products and packaging which are 100% recyclable.