Filter Coffee Makers

Filter coffee makers are a simple, reliable alternative to the expensive barista style coffee machines. They're affordable to purchase and can be found in the high streets for about PS20.

The filter coffee makers are equipped with a variety of functions, including a clock to wake you with a cup of coffee at the perfect time. They make sure that the water is heated to the ideal temperature to brew filter coffee.

1. Chemex

The sleek, fashionable glass Chemex coffee maker has been a popular choice by coffee lovers since it was first invented by Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. The flask's hourglass shape is reminiscent of an Erlenmeyer flask, which is likely where the name came from (or maybe Fleming was influenced by it when writing From Russia With Love). It's been an icon in the specialty coffee scene for its sleek design and crystal clear filter brews that are easy to see through.

Similar to other pour-over coffee makers like the V60 dripper and the Melitta, this filter coffee maker is a manual brewing method that involves pouring hot water over pre-soaked grounds in a steady controlled way that allows for an even extraction of flavor. The key to a successful Chemex brew is to ensure that your grinds are medium-fine and that you utilize the correct filter. Chemex makes use of more robust filters that are 'lab grade,' as opposed to the paper filters that are thin and used in most filter machines. These filters remove more coffee oils and fines, which can cause your brew to have a bad taste.

After the Chemex is full, you simply lift out 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 allow the ground expand and absorb the water to ensure that the brew is not over-extracted.

The only downside of the Chemex coffee maker is that it takes longer to brew a cup coffee than other filter coffee makers and requires a bit of experience to get the most effective results. It's not as good in 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 have all the bells and whistles of modern gadgets however, the Moccamaster is still a reliable workhorse that is likely to never go out of style. The brewing method it uses will heat water to a point that is just above boiling temperature, which is perfect for filter coffe machine coffee because it prevents bitterness.

The fact that the Moccamaster is able to keep the water at a perfect temperature throughout the entire brewing process makes it a very energy-efficient device. Its design makes it easy to disassemble and wash, to ensure that the components remain fresh and clean between use.

If you want to make a good filter coffee you should make use of a medium-fine grind, similar to a Chemex or pour-over brewer--to make sure the grounds are evenly distributed and don't block the water flow. The Moccamaster has a showerhead which sprays grounds evenly, ensuring that the coffee is extracted.

The Moccamaster has another great feature It's very easy to maintain. It is constructed from top-quality materials such as 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 filter coffee enthusiasts who are seeking 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 produces outstanding filter coffee machines with an emphasis on simplicity, efficiency and Drip coffee stunning design. Their products show Scandinavian minimalistism at its finest. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker is a prime example. It is a quirky design that makes it stand out. It also oozes confidence with five-year guarantee which ensures the long-term durability of this top-quality filter coffee maker.

This brewer is simple to use. Simply fill it with water, and you are able to start making. This brewer comes with a 1 litre water tank that is easily cleaned. Its pump technology ensures that the entire system drains after each brew, unlike other coffee makers with filter technology that leave water in the system that affects subsequent brews. This lets you use fresh water for each new batch of coffee ensuring your coffee will always taste good.

The Classic Plus has a simple and elegant design. It has a variety of useful features, including a flow control knob that you can manually adjust (close it for a short time to ensure an even stronger beverage) as well as an overflow drain in the filter holder and a reminder to descale your appliance, an automatic switch-off and the drip stopper manual to stop spills from spilling onto the hotplate. The brewer is able to heat water quickly to the desired temperature of 92-96degC.

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 a stainless steel thermo jug for keeping the coffee brewed at the ideal drinking temperature. This is an excellent feature and an important selling feature over other filter coffee makers that keep the coffee warm on a hotplate.

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 that can hold 1.3 Liters and can be used to filter coffee using flat bottom baskets (not the cones recommended by Moccamaster or other SCAA-certified machines).

The design of the Bonavita is simple and clean, and it includes a built-in filter holder that holds the filters in place during brewing. This makes it easier to avoid mess during the brewing process. The machine comes with showerheads that spread water evenly over the ground. This allows for better extraction of flavors.

The Bonavita's ability to control water temperature precisely is a further reason why it's a great filter coffee maker. The thermocouple readings from the brew basket confirmed that the water was at the ideal temperature within minutes. The average temperature of the brew basket remained at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit for the remaining brewing process with only a few degrees in either direction.

The Bonavita is, like other coffee machine drip makers that are programmable, can be programmed to start at a specific time and set an exact brew time. It can be set to a particular temperature and brew size. This feature allows you to make just one cup at a time which is great for busy families.

The Bonavita isn't equipped with the option of pre-infusion that can enhance the flavor by allowing more ground coffee to be soaked with water. Furthermore, it is difficult to determine the exact amount of grounds needed, as various coffees have different densities. The most precise method to measure the amount grounds is to weigh them on an scale, rather than using a teaspoon.

5. Melitta

This machine is made by the company that invented filter coffee filter. It comes with a variety of features to enhance the brewing process. There's a drip stop on the filter holder to prevent spills when removing the jug. There's also a handy keep-warm function, so you can take pleasure in your freshly brewed coffee for up to 40 minutes after the brew has been complete.

The jug and basket are made from high-quality borosilicate glass. The jug and basket can be cleaned easily by hand or by using the dishwasher. The epour comes with an effective LED indicator for limescale that lets you can tell when it's time to descale. The model also has an inbuilt bloom setting that helps release CO2 that has been trapped and unintentionally released. This could result in a bitter tasting cup of coffee.

This machine is perfect for those who are seeking a machine with smaller footprint. The Aroma Elegance is just a little wider and taller than the Moccamaster, but it can still fit in a corner due to its angled design. It is easy to operate with just one hand, and features clearly laid out layout of the buttons. The tank of water is easily removable, making it easier to fill.

The machine can be programmed to make coffee at a specific time. This will save time and effort, allowing you to awake to a clean hot filter. Aroma Elegance also has other features that can improve your brewing experience by allowing you to program water softness, auto-descaling and 3 settings that keep warm. Melitta makes use of chlorine-free papers and drip coffee sustainably sourced materials in its filters. This is reflected by their products and packaging which are 100 recycled to a hundred percent.