Filter Coffee Makers

In a sea filled with expensive barista-style coffee drip maker machines, filter coffee makers are the reliable, simple original method of brewing. They're affordable to purchase and can be found in the high streets for around PS20.

These filter coffee makers usually come with normal functions, such as a timer to wake you up with a pot of coffee at the right time. They heat the water to the ideal brewing temperature for filter-coffee.

1. Chemex

The sleek, stylish glass Chemex coffee maker has been a favourite by coffee lovers since it was invented by Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. The flask's shape is reminiscent of an Erlenmeyer flask which is probably the reason for the name (or perhaps Fleming was influenced by it when writing From Russia With Love). It has become a cult coffee icon for its stylish aesthetics and crystal clear filter brews.

Similar to other pour-over coffee makers, such as the V60 dripper as well as the Melitta filter coffee maker is a manual brewing technique which involves pouring hot water over pre-soaked grounds in a steady controlled manner that permits an even extraction of flavour. The key to a successful Chemex brew is to ensure that your grinds are medium fine and that you utilize the correct type of filter. Contrary to the thin paper filters used in many filter coffee machines, Chemex uses thicker 'lab-grade filters that take out more of the coffee oils and fines that can give your brew a bitter taste.

Once the Chemex is full, you simply lift out the filter and your beer is ready for drinking. 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 does not drained too much.

The downside to Chemex Chemex is that it may take longer than some other filter coffee makers to brew your coffee. It also requires a certain amount of experience to achieve the best results. It also doesn't lend itself as well to making a large number of cups at once like an electric filter coffee machine which is why it's better for smaller batches and for those who appreciate the art and science of manual making coffee.

2. Moccamaster

While it may not have all the bells and whistles of modern devices but the Moccamaster is still a reliable machine that is sure to never go out of style. Its brewing process heats water to just above the boiling point, which is perfect for filter coffee because it eliminates bitterness that can sometimes be associated with boiling coffee.

The fact that the Moccamaster is able to keep the water at a perfect temperature throughout the entire brew process means it's also extremely energy efficient. Additionally, its design permits it to be taken apart and cleaned, ensuring that the components can be kept clean and fresh between uses.

If you're looking to make a quality cup, you should use a medium-fine grind. This is similar to a Chemex brewer or pour-over. This will ensure that the grounds are evenly dispersed and filter coffee makers don't impede 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 is made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel, as well as 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 those who are in search of a premium coffee maker. Its build quality and functionality are backed up by an impressive list of coffee maker drip aficionados who are using it in their cafes, roasters, and coffee shops--including the triple-Michelin-starred restaurant Alain Ducasse! For a complete range of slow-coffee filtering, check out my friends at Coffee Hit.

3. Wilfa

The Norwegian company Wilfa produces outstanding filter coffee makers that focus on simplicity, functionality and a stunning design. Their products show Scandinavian minimalistism at its best. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker, for example, is a quirky design that makes it stand out. This premium filter coffee maker also is a sign of confidence and comes with a 5-year guarantee which guarantees its durability.

This brewer is easy to use. Simply fill it with water and then start brewing. This brewer features a 1 litre removable water tank that is easy to clean. Its pump technology 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 use new water for every batch of coffee, ensuring that your coffee is always good.

The Classic Plus has a simple but elegant design. It is equipped with a number of useful features, including the flow control wheel, which can be manually adjusted (close it for a short time to make an even stronger beverage) as well as an overflow drain in your filter holder and a reminder to descale your appliance, an automatic shut-off, and the drip stopper manual to ensure that no spills fall onto the hotplate. This brewer warms the water quickly to a desired temperature of 92-96degC for optimal extraction.

This brewer is capable of making between one and 10 cups of filter coffee. Each cup is generously 250ml in size and takes between three and four minutes. The maker comes with a stainless steel thermo jug for keeping the coffee brewed at the perfect temperature for drinking. This is a fantastic feature and a major selling advantage over other filter coffee makers which only keep the coffee warm on the hotplate.

4. Bonavita

Get the most out of your coffee with this top-rated auto drip maker brewer. The Bonavita Connoisseur has a minimalist design and is easy to operate. It comes with a stainless steel carafe which holds 1.3 liters and can be used to filter coffee using standard flat bottom baskets (not the cones suggested by Moccamaster or other SCAA-certified machines).

The Bonavita has a simple and sleek design. It also has a built in filter holder, which is used to hold the filters while the brewing. This helps to prevent mess during the brewing process. The machine comes with showerheads that distribute water evenly over the grounds. This allows for better extraction of flavors.

The Bonavita's ability to regulate the temperature of water precisely is another reason it is an excellent filter coffee maker. Thermocouple readings from the brew basket confirmed that the water had reached the perfect temperature in just a few minutes. The average internal temperature remained at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the remaining time of the brewing process with only just a few degrees either direction.

The Bonavita is, like other coffee makers that can be programmed can be programmed to begin at a particular time and set an exact brew time. It can also be set to a particular temperature and the size of the brew. This feature allows you to only brew one cup at any given time, which is beneficial for families with a busy schedule.

The Bonavita does not come with a pre-infusion function that can enhance the flavor by allowing more coffee grounds to be saturated with water. It can also be difficult to determine the exact amount of coffee grounds required, since the different coffees have different density. It is recommended to weigh the grounds using a scale rather than using a tablespoon, since this is the most precise method to do it.

5. Melitta

This machine is from the brand that invented the filter coffee filter. It comes with a variety of features that will enhance the brewing process. The filter holder has an anti-kitchenaid drip coffee maker stop to prevent spills when removing the jug. It also has a handy keep-warm function, so you can enjoy freshly made coffee for up to 40 minutes after the brew is complete.

The jug, filter basket and lid are constructed of high-quality borosilicate glasses. They are easy to clean by hand or in your dishwasher. The epour features an LED limescale indicator, so you can determine when you need to descale. The model also has a built-in bloom setting that helps release unwanted trapped CO2 that could result in bitter tasting cups of coffee.

This machine is ideal for those who are looking for a machine with a small footprint. The Aroma Elegance might be slightly larger and taller than the Moccamaster but it can still fit in a corner because of its angled design. It has a simple layout of the buttons and can be easily operated with one hand. The tank for water is easily removed, making it easier to fill it up.

Another great feature is that the machine can be programmed to brew at a certain time. This allows you to get up to fresh, hot filter coffee and will save you time and energy. Aroma Elegance comes with additional features that will make your brewing experience better by allowing you to program water softness, auto-descaling, and three settings to keep warm. Melitta is also an eco-friendly product made from sustainably-sourced materials and chlorine-free paper for their filters. This is evident by their products and packaging which are 100 100% recyclable.