Filter Coffee Makers
Filter coffee makers are a basic, reliable alternative to the expensive barista style coffee machines. They're inexpensive to purchase and are available on the high street at around PS20.
These filter coffee makers typically include normal functions like the ability to wake you up with a cup of coffee at the right time. They make sure that the water is heated to the perfect temperature to brew filter coffee.
1. Chemex
The sleek, stylish glass Chemex coffee maker has been a popular choice amongst coffee lovers since it was first invented by Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. The flask's hourglass-shaped shape is reminiscent of an Erlenmeyer flask which is probably the source of the name (or perhaps Fleming was influenced by it when writing From Russia With Love). It's been an icon in the world of specialty coffee for its stylish aesthetic and crystal clear filter coffees that are easy to see through.
This filter coffee maker like other pour-over makers such as the V60 dripper or Melitta is an brewing method that is manual, where hot water is poured slowly over pre-soaked ground in a controlled way to ensure a consistent extraction. The key to a successful Chemex brew is to make sure that your grinds are medium fine and you are using the correct type of filter. Chemex uses thicker filters, which are lab-grade in comparison to the thin paper filters found in many filter machines. These filters eliminate more coffee oils and fines that can give your brew an unpleasant taste.
The brew will be ready to drink after the Chemex has been filled. A good suggestion is to let your brew 'bloom' for 30 seconds before pouring. This allows the ground expand and absorb the water so that it doesn't get too extracted.
filtered coffee makers coffeee.uk of the Chemex coffee maker is that it takes more time to make a cup of coffee than other filter coffee makers and requires some know-how to achieve the best results. It's also not suited to making a large number of cups in one go like the electric filter coffee machine, so it's more suitable for smaller batches and for those who are interested in the art and science of manual brewing.
2. Moccamaster
Although it might not have all the bells and whistles of more modern machines however, the Moccamaster is still a reliable machine that will likely never lose its appeal. The brewing process heats water to a point that is just above boiling which is ideal for filter coffee as it prevents the bitterness that is sometimes caused by boiling coffee.
It's energy-efficient because the Moccamaster can keep the water at the optimal temperature throughout the making process. Additionally, its design permits it to be removed and cleaned, meaning the components will remain clean and fresh between use.
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 make sure the grounds are evenly dispersed and don't block flow of water. The Moccamaster also includes shower heads that spray the grounds to ensure a consistent extraction.
The Moccamaster has a further advantage It's very 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 a fantastic 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 coffee filters.
3. Wilfa
The Norwegian company Wilfa makes outstanding filter coffee makers that focus on simplicity, functionality and a stunning design. Their products display Scandinavian minimalistism at its finest. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker is a prime example. It has a cool, nerdy design that makes it stand out. It also exudes confidence with a a 5 year guarantee warranty which ensures the long-term durability of this top-quality filter coffee maker.
This brewer is easy to use. Simply fill it up 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 in the brewer ensures that the entire system empties after each brew unlike other coffee makers with filter technology that leave water in the system, affecting subsequent brews. This lets you make use of fresh water for each batch of coffee, making sure that your coffee is always good.
The Classic Plus has a simple and elegant design. It comes with many useful features, like a flow control knob that can be manually adjusted (close it for a short time to ensure more strength in your beverage), an overflow drain inside your filter holder, a reminder to descale your appliance, an automatic switch-off, and a drip stopper manual that will stop spills from spilling onto the hotplate. The brewer heats water quickly to a suitable temperature of 92-96 degrees Celsius for optimal extraction.
The brewer can make between one and ten cups of filter coffee Each cup is 250ml and takes around three to four minutes to brew. The maker comes with the stainless steel thermo jug for keeping the brewed coffee at the perfect temperature for drinking. This is an excellent feature and an important selling advantage over other filter coffee makers which only keep the coffee warm on the hotplate.
4. Bonavita
This top-rated auto drip coffee maker will allow you to make the most of your coffee. The Bonavita Connoisseur is a sleek and minimalist device that is simple to use. It comes with a stainless steel carafe with a 1.3-liter capacity and is compatible with standard flat bottom basket filters (not the cones in #4 that are recommended by Moccamaster and other SCAA-certified equipment).
The design of the Bonavita is clean and simple and includes an integrated filter holder that keeps the filters in place while brewing. This prevents spills during the process of brewing. The machine also features shower heads that ensure even distribution of water over the grounds, resulting in better extraction of aromas and flavors.
The Bonavita's ability to control water temperature precisely is a further reason why it's a great filter coffee maker. The thermocouple measurements from the brew basin confirmed that water reached the ideal temperature in just minutes. The average internal temperature was 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the rest of the brewing process, with only changing by a few degrees.
The Bonavita, like other programmable coffee makers can be programmed to start at a specific time and to establish the brew duration. It is also able to be set to a certain brew size and temperature. This makes it possible to brew only one cup at a time which is great for busy families.
One downside to the Bonavita is that it does not have a pre-infusion function, which helps improve flavor by encouraging more of the ground coffee to become saturated with water. Additionally, it can be difficult to determine the exact amount of grounds required because different coffees have different densities. The most accurate way to measure the amount grounds is to weigh them using a scale rather than using the use of a teaspoon.
5. Melitta
From the company that invented filter coffee comes this machine with a number of features to improve your coffee drinking experience. There's a drip stop built into the filter holder, which will prevent spills when you remove the jug. The coffee can be kept warm for up to 40 minutes after the brewing.
The jug and filter basket are made of premium borosilicate glass. The jug and the filter basket can be cleaned by hand or by using the dishwasher. The epour also comes with a practical LED limescale indicator to let you can tell when it's time to descale. The model also has a built-in bloom setting which helps to release CO2 that has been trapped and unintentionally released. This can 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 a little wider and taller than the Moccamaster however, it can still be placed in a corner thanks to its angle of design. It is easy to use with its simple layout of the buttons and can be operated by one hand. The water tank can be easily removed making it easy to refill.
The machine can be programmed to make coffee at a specific time. This lets you wake up with fresh, hot filter coffee and can save you time and energy. Aroma Elegance comes with additional functions that will make your brewing experience better with features like programmable water softness, auto-descaling, and 3 settings that keep warm. Melitta is also an eco-friendly brand that uses sustainably sourced materials and chlorine-free paper in their filters. This is reflected in their products and packaging, which are 100 100% recyclable.