Filter Coffee Makers

Filter coffee makers are a simple, reliable alternative to the expensive barista style coffee machines. They're affordable to purchase and are available on the high street at around PS20.

These coffee makers for filtering typically include normal functions like a timer to wake you up with a cup of coffee at the right moment. They heat water to the perfect temperature to brew filter coffee.

1. Chemex

Since its creation by Peter Schlumbohm, in 1941 the sleek and fashionable glass Chemex has become a favorite for coffee drinkers. The flask's hourglass-shaped shape is reminiscent of an Erlenmeyer flask which is the reason for the name (or perhaps Fleming was influenced by it when he wrote From Russia With Love). It's been an icon in the specialty coffee scene for its sleek design and crystal clear filter coffees that are easy see through.

Similar to other pour-over coffee makers such as the V60 dripper as well as the Melitta 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 get the best Chemex brew, you need to use medium-fine grinds and the right filter. Unlike thin paper filters found in most filter coffee machines, Chemex uses thicker 'lab-grade filters that take out more of the coffee fines and oils that can cause your brew to have a bitter taste.

Once the Chemex is full, simply lift out the filter and your brew is ready to drink. A good tip is to let your brew 'bloom' for 30 seconds before pouring, this helps the ground to expand and absorb the water so that it doesn't get too extracted.

The only downside of the 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 expertise to get the most effective results. It's also not suited as well to making a lot of cups at a time like an electric filter coffee maker which is why it's better for smaller batches and those who appreciate the art and science of manual brewing.

2. Moccamaster

Although it might not have all the bells and whistles of modern devices however, the Moccamaster is still a reliable machine that is sure to never be outdated. The method used to brew coffee is to heat water just above the boiling point, which is perfect for filter coffee since it reduces bitterness.

The fact that the Moccamaster can keep the water at an optimal temperature throughout the entire brew process makes it an energy-efficient device. In addition, its design permits it to be easily disassembled and washed, so the components will remain clean and fresh between uses.

When it comes to making a good filter coffee machine coffee it is recommended to make use of a medium-fine grinder, just like a Chemex or pour-over brewer--to make sure the grounds are evenly distributed and don't block the water flow. The Moccamaster also comes with shower heads that spray the grounds to ensure even extraction.

Another excellent feature of the Moccamaster is that it's easy to maintain. It's made of high-quality materials, such as stainless steel and BPAand 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 in search of 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! For a full range of slow-coffee filters, be sure to check out my friends at Coffee Hit.

3. Wilfa

The Norwegian company Wilfa produces top-quality filter coffee makers that emphasis on functionality, drip coffee brewer simplicity and stunning design. Their products display Scandinavian minimalism at its best drip coffee maker. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker is a prime example. It has a cool, nerdy design that makes it stand out. This premium filter coffee maker also has a sense of security, with a 5-year warranty that ensures its longevity.

The design of this brewer makes it simple to set up, fill it with water and then begin brewing. The brewer comes with one litre of water that is removable tank that is easy to clean. Its pump technology ensures that the entire system empties every time you brew it unlike other filter coffee makers that leave water in the system that affects subsequent brews. This lets you make use of fresh water for each new batch of coffee, making sure that your coffee will always taste great.

The Classic Plus has a simple, yet smart design. It comes with many useful features, including a flow control wheel that can be adjusted manually (close it for a few minutes to get a stronger drink), an overflow drain within the filter holder, an alert to descale your appliance, an automatic shut-off and the drip stopper manual to ensure that no spills fall onto the hotplate. The brewer quickly heats water to the desired temperature of 92-96degC.

This brewer will make between one and ten cups of filter coffee each cup is a generous 250ml and takes three bean to cup filter coffee machine four minutes to prepare. The brewer comes with an stainless steel thermo jug for keeping the coffee at the perfect temperature for drinking. This is a great feature that helps it stand apart from other filter coffee makers that only keep the coffee warm.

4. Bonavita

This top-rated auto drip coffee brewer will allow you to make the most of your coffee. The Bonavita Connoisseur has a minimalist design and is simple to use. It comes with a stainless-steel carafe which holds 1.3 Liters and can be used to filter coffee using flat bottom baskets (not the cones suggested by Moccamaster or other SCAA-certified machines).

The Bonavita has a simple and elegant design. It also has an inbuilt filter holder, which is used to hold the filters while the brewing process. This helps to prevent any mess that may occur during the process of brewing. The machine has a showerhead that distributes water evenly over the grounds. This helps in the extraction of flavors.

The Bonavita's ability to regulate the temperature of the water is a further reason why it's an excellent filter coffee maker. Thermocouple measurements from the brew-basket confirmed that water reached the perfect temperature within minutes. The average temperature of the brew basket remained at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit for the remainder of the brewing cycle, only swinging just a few degrees either direction.

The Bonavita, like other programmable coffee makers, can be programmed to start at a certain time and to set an exact brew time. It can be set to a particular temperature and size of brew. This feature lets you make only one cup at a given time, which can be beneficial for families with a busy schedule.

One downside to the Bonavita is that it lacks the pre-infusion feature, which helps improve flavor by encouraging more of the ground coffee to absorb water. Furthermore, it is difficult to determine the exact amount of ground coffee required due to the fact that various coffees have different densities. The most precise method to measure the amount of grounds is to weigh them using a scale rather than using the equivalent of a teaspoon.

5. Melitta

From the company which invented filter coffee comes this machine with several features that improve your coffee enjoyment of brewing. The filter holder comes with a drip-stopper to avoid 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 has been complete.

The jug, filter basket and lid are constructed of high-quality borosilicate glass. The jug and the filter basket are easily cleaned by hand drip coffee brewer or in the dishwasher. The epour comes with an LED limescale indicator to let you know when it's time to descale. This model also has a built-in bloom setting that helps eliminate CO2 that is trapped in the wrong place and could result in bitter tasting cups of coffee.

If you're looking for a machine that has an extremely small footprint, this is it. The Aroma Elegance is a little wider and taller than the Moccamaster however, it can still fit in a corner due its angle of design. It is easy to operate with just one hand and has a clearly laid out selection button layout. The tank for water is easily removed making it easy to fill it up.

Another advantage is that the machine can be programmed to brew at a specific time. This can save both time and effort, allowing you to awake to a clean warm filter. Aroma Elegance also comes with other functions that will enhance your coffee brewing experience with features like programmable water softness, auto-descaling and 3 settings that keep warm. Melitta uses chlorine-free paper and sustainably sourced materials in its filters. This is evident by their products and packaging which are 100 recycled to a hundred percent.