Filter Coffee Makers
Filter coffee makers are a basic, reliable alternative to the expensive barista-style coffee machines. They're inexpensive to purchase and can be found on the high street at around PS20.
These filter coffee makers have a variety of functions such as a clock that can get you up with a cup of coffee at the right time. They can heat the water to the ideal temperature for brewing filter coffee.
1. Chemex
The sleek, fashionable glass Chemex coffee maker has been a popular choice for coffee enthusiasts since it was invented by Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. The flask's shape is reminiscent of an Erlenmeyer flask which is probably the source of the name (or maybe Fleming was inspired by it when he wrote From Russia With Love). It's been a coffee icon for its stylish aesthetics and crystal clear filter brews.
This filter coffee maker, like other pour-over 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 a consistent extraction. To make the best Chemex brew, it is necessary to use medium-coarse grinds as well as the correct filter. Chemex uses more robust filters that are 'lab grade,' as opposed to the paper filters that are thin and used in many filter machines. These filters eliminate more coffee oils and fines, which can give your brew an unpleasant taste.
When the Chemex is full, you just need to remove the filter and your beverage is ready to drink. A good suggestion is to let the brew "bloom for 30 seconds prior to pouring. This allows the ground to expand and absorb the water to ensure that it doesn't get too extracted.
The drawback to a Chemex is that it will take longer than other filter coffee makers to brew your cup of coffee and requires a certain level of experience to achieve the best results. It's not as good at making large quantities 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 may not have the bells and whistles other modern machines do, but it is still an efficient machine that will never go out-of-style. Its brewing process heats water to just above the boiling point which is ideal for filter coffee since it eliminates bitterness that is often associated with boiling coffee.
The fact that the Moccamaster is able to keep the water at a perfect temperature throughout the entire brew process makes it a very energy-efficient device. Additionally, its design permits it to be easily taken apart and cleaned, ensuring that the components are clean and fresh between uses.
If you want to make a good filter coffee, you'll want to use a medium-fine grind--just like a Chemex or pour-over brewer to ensure that the grounds are evenly dispersed and don't block flow of water. The Moccamaster comes with a showerhead that sprays grounds evenly to ensure that they are extracted.
Another benefit of the Moccamaster is that it's easy to maintain. It is made from high-quality materials, including 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 are looking to invest in a premium 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 coffee filters.
3. Wilfa
The Norwegian company Wilfa produces excellent filter coffee machines that have a an emphasis on simplicity, functionality and great design. Their products are a perfect example of Scandinavian minimalism. 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 which ensures the long-term durability of this premium filter coffee maker.
This brewer is easy to use. Simply fill it with water, and you are able to start the process of brewing. This brewer has an 1 litre water tank that is easily cleaned. The pump technology ensures that the entire system is cleaned after each brew. This is unlike other filter coffee machines that leave water behind and alter the subsequent brews. This lets you use fresh water for each batch of coffee, ensuring that your coffee is always good.
The Classic Plus has a simple, yet smart design. It comes with many useful features, such as a flow control wheel that can be adjusted manually (close it for a short time to make an even stronger beverage), an overflow drain within your filter holder, a reminder to descale your appliance, an automatic switch-off and a drip stopper manual to ensure that no spills fall onto the hotplate. This brewer heats water quickly to the desired temperature of 92 to 96 degrees Celsius.
This brewer will make between one and 10 cups of filter coffee, each cup is approximately 250ml and takes three to four minutes to make. The maker comes with the stainless steel thermo jug that is designed for keeping the coffee brewed at the ideal drinking temperature. This is a fantastic feature that sets it apart from other filter coffee makers which only keep the coffee warm.
4. Bonavita
This top-rated auto drip coffee brewer will help you make the most of your coffee. The Bonavita Connoisseur is a sleek and minimalist appliance that's user-friendly. It comes with a stainless-steel carafe that holds 1.3 liters and can be used to filter coffee using flat bottom baskets (not the #4 cones recommended by Moccamaster or other SCAA-certified machines).
The Bonavita has a simple and elegant design. It also comes with an inbuilt filter holder that holds the filters while the brewing process. This helps to prevent any mess that may occur during the process of brewing. The machine also features a shower head that ensures uniform distribution of water over the grounds, resulting in better extraction of aromas and flavors.
The Bonavita's ability of controlling the temperature of the water is another reason why it's a great filter coffee maker. Thermocouple readings from the brew basket showed that the water was at the ideal temperature within minutes. The average internal temperature remained at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the brewing process, just fluctuating a few degrees either way.
The Bonavita is, like other coffee makers that can be programmed can be programmed to start at a particular time and to establish an exact brew time. It can also be set to a certain temperature and size of brew. This makes it possible to make just one cup at a go which is great for busy families.
The Bonavita does not come with a pre-infusion feature that can enhance flavor by permitting more ground coffee to be soaked in water. It can be difficult to determine the exact amount of coffee grounds required as different coffees are of varying density. It is best to weigh the grounds using a scale rather than using a spoon, as this is the most accurate way to do it.
5. Melitta
From the brand that invented filter coffee, comes this machine with several features that enhance your brewing experience. The filter holder has a drip-stop to prevent spills when removing the jug. There's also a handy keep warm feature, so you can enjoy freshly brewed coffee for up to 40 minutes after the brew is completed.
The jug, the filter basket and lid are constructed of high-quality borosilicate glass. The jug and the filter basket can be cleaned by hand or in the dishwasher. The epour comes with an LED limescale indicator to let you'll know when it's time to descale. about his has a built-in bloom setting which helps to release CO2 that has been trapped and unintentionally released. This could result in bitter tasting cups of coffee.
This machine is perfect for those who are looking for a machine with smaller footprint. The Aroma Elegance is just slightly larger and wider than the Moccamaster however, it can still be placed in a corner due to its angle design. It's simple to operate with only one hand, and features a clearly laid out design of the selection buttons. The tank of water is easily removed making it easy to fill.
The machine can also be programmed to brew coffee at a certain time. This will save time and effort as it allows you to wake up to a fresh hot filter. Aroma Elegance comes with additional functions that will improve your brewing experience, such as programmable water softness, auto-descaling and 3 keep warm settings. Melitta utilizes chlorine-free paper and sustainably sourced materials in its filters. This is reflected by their packaging and products that are 100 100% recyclable.