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 in the high streets for around PS20.
These filter coffee makers have a variety of functions, including a clock to get you up with an espresso at the perfect time. They heat the water to the ideal temperature to brew filter coffee.
1. Chemex
The sleek, stylish glass Chemex coffee maker has been a favourite by coffee drinkers since it was first invented by Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. The hourglass-shaped flask is reminiscent of an Erlenmeyer flask, which is likely where the odd name comes from (or maybe Fleming was inspired by it when he wrote From Russia With Love). It's been a coffee brand for its sleek aesthetics and crystal clear filter brews.
Similar to other pour-over coffee makers such as the V60 dripper as well as the Melitta, this filter coffee maker is a manual brewing method that involves pouring hot water over the ground in a steady and controlled way that allows for an even extraction of flavour. To get the most out of your Chemex coffee, you have to use medium-fine grinds and the correct filter. Contrary to the thin paper filters used in many filter coffee machines, Chemex uses thicker 'lab-grade' filters which remove more coffee fines and oils that can cause your brew to have a bitter taste.
Once the Chemex is full, just need to remove the filter and your brew is ready to drink. Allow your brew to 'bloom or absorb the water for 30 seconds before pouring. This will help the ground expand and absorb it so that the brew is not drained too much.
The drawback to Chemex is that Chemex is that it can take longer than other filter coffee makers to make your cup of coffee. It also requires a certain level of experience to achieve the best results. It's not as efficient at making large batches of coffee as an electronic filter machine. So it's better for those who prefer small batches and manual brewing.
2. Moccamaster
While it may not come with all the bells and whistles of modern gadgets but the Moccamaster is still a reliable and reliable device that is likely to never be outdated. Its brewing method is to heat water just above boiling temperature, which is ideal for filter coffee because it reduces bitterness.
It's energy-efficient because the Moccamaster can keep the water at an optimal temperature for the entire process of brewing. Its design makes it simple to disassemble and wash, to ensure that the components remain fresh and clean between usages.
If you want to make a quality cup, use a medium-fine grinding. This is similar to the Chemex pour-over or brewer. This will ensure that the grounds are evenly distributed and do not block the water flow. The Moccamaster includes a showerhead that sprays grounds evenly to ensure that they are extracted.
The Moccamaster has a further advantage It is also very simple to maintain. It's constructed of top-quality materials, such as stainless steel and BPA- and phthalate-free materials. 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 option for those who are looking for 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! Coffee Hit has a full range of slow coffee filters.
3. Wilfa
The Norwegian company Wilfa produces top-quality filter coffee makers that focus on functionality, simplicity and great design. Their products are the epitome of Scandinavian minimalism. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker is one such example, it has an intriguing style that makes this automatic maker stand out from the crowd. This premium filter coffee maker has a sense of security with a five-year guarantee that guarantees its durability.
The design of this brewer makes it simple to install, fill with water and begin brewing. The brewer comes with a 1 litre removable water tank that is easy to clean. The pump technology makes sure that the entire system is empty after each brew, unlike other coffee makers with filter technology that leave water in the system affecting subsequent brews. This allows you to use new water for every batch of coffee, making sure that your coffee always tastes good.
With the Classic Plus, you'll find an elegant and simple design that comes with a number of useful features like a manual flow control wheel (close it for a few minutes to enjoy an even stronger brew) and an overflow drain inside the filter holder, a light that reminds you to descale the appliance, an automatic switch off and an automatic drip stopper to prevent spills on the hotplate. This brewer heats the water quickly to a desirable temperature of 92-96degC for optimal extraction.
This brewer can produce between one and ten cups of filter coffee Each cup is 250ml and takes three to four minutes to make. The brewer comes with an stainless steel thermo jug that is designed for keeping the coffee brewed at the ideal drinking temperature. This is an excellent feature that makes it stand out from other coffee makers that only keep the coffee warm.
4. Bonavita
This best-rated auto drip coffee brewer will allow you to maximize the potential of your coffee. The Bonavita Connoisseur has a minimalist design and is easy to operate. It has a stainless steel carafe that can hold 1.3 Liters and can be used to filter coffee using flat bottom baskets (not the cones #4 recommended by Moccamaster or other SCAA-certified machines).
The design of the Bonavita is clean and simple and comes with an inbuilt filter holder to keep the filters in place while brewing. This helps prevent mess during the brewing process. The machine comes with showerheads that distribute water evenly over the ground. This helps in the extraction of flavors.
The precise control of water temperature is another reason to consider the Bonavita an excellent filter coffee maker. Thermocouple readings from the brew basket confirmed that the water had reached the desired temperature within minutes. The average temperature of the brew basket remained at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the remaining brewing process and only fluctuated just a few degrees either direction.
The Bonavita is, like other coffee makers that are programmable can be programmed to begin at a certain time and set an exact brew time. It can also be set to a particular temperature and size of brew. This feature allows you to brew only one cup at any given time, which is useful for busy families.
The Bonavita does not have a pre-infusion function that can enhance flavor by permitting more ground coffee to be soaked with water. Furthermore, it is difficult to accurately measure the amount of ground coffee required, as various coffees have different densities. The most precise method to measure the amount grounds is to weigh them using a scale instead of using the equivalent of a teaspoon.
5. Melitta
From the brand that invented filter coffee, comes this machine with many features to enhance your brewing experience. The filter holder comes with an anti-drip stop to prevent spills while removing the jug. The coffee can be kept warm for up to 40 minutes after making.
The jug and basket are made of premium borosilicate glass. They are easy to clean by hand or by using your dishwasher. The epour also comes with a practical LED limescale indicator, so you can tell when it's time to descale. The model also has an inbuilt 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 perfect for those who are looking for a machine that has an extremely small footprint. The Aroma Elegance is just a little wider and taller than the Moccamaster It can be placed in a corner due its angle of design. It is easy to use with its simple layout of the buttons and is easily operated with one hand. The tank for water can be easily removed making it easy to refill.
The machine can be programmed to brew coffee at a certain time. Coffeee can save both time and effort, allowing you to wake up to a fresh warm filter. Aroma Elegance comes with additional functions that will enhance your coffee brewing experience, such as programmable water softness, auto-descaling and 3 settings that keep warm. Melitta is also an eco-friendly company that uses sustainably sourced materials and chlorine-free paper for their filters. This is reflected in their packaging and products which are 100 100% recyclable.