Best Filter Coffee Machine

The most effective filter coffee maker is one that consistently produces strong, delicious coffee. It lets the grounds fully absorb the water at the right temperature and bloom before continuing with the brewing cycle.

It also comes with multiple brewing modes and has options for different coffee strengths. It comes with a grinder and filter that can be washed in the top rack of the dishwasher. It features a transparent window that allows you to check the amount of water in the reservoir.

1. Customizable

Many people use a espresso machine or coffee maker to make their mornings more enjoyable. The best filter coffee makers let you make your coffee according to your preferences, such as changing the strength of the coffee or altering the temperature of the water for a specific bean or blend. Some models allow you to adjust the brew cycles to maximize for a specific type of roast or batch sizes.

Some of the top machines we tested include additional features such as an adjustable clock, milk frothing capability or smart controls that work with apps on your tablet or smartphone. While these are great features to have, the value of a coffee machine comes down to how well it performs its most basic task of brewing the best filter coffee at home.

The Black+Decker The DLX1050B is an excellent example of a model that's moderately priced and still performs better than many other options on the market. The model is equipped with a variety of standard features, including a brew timer and brew program, a coffee strength setting and a cup warmer that keeps the coffee at the ideal serving temperature for up to two hours.

If you're looking for something a bit more then look into our list of semiautomatic as well as automated espresso and coffee machines. While they can be more troublesome than pod-based models however, these machines give you an abundance of control over quality and flavor of your beverage. Semiautomatic machines are ideal for espresso enthusiasts. You can pack the portafilter yourself and decide when to pull the shot.

Take a look at the Miele CM5300 If you're looking to make a cup of coffee or espresso that's professional quality. The unique design of this deluxe countertop model allows it to do everything from a simple drip pot to back-to-back shots of espresso. The unique metal block which heats the reservoir and brew-basket independently from the steam arm, reduces the possibility that the water could reach an unintentionally hot temperature or burn the beans. It also has the ability to handle multiple brew volumes at once.

2. Convenient

We discovered a maker which allows you to set the exact temperature of water and brew's intensity. Its showerhead is large and provides an even and steady agitation, which is essential for getting the best flavor from your beans. The hopper is able to hold a half-pound and has six grinding settings. A clear window allows you to see the water level at a glance, and its filter and grinder are removable and top rack dishwasher-safe for simple cleaning. This machine received the Golden Cup award from the Specialty Coffee Association, which assures that it's brewed with the correct balance of water to beans and brewing temperature. It also comes with an integrated timer and an auto shut-off program that can be programmed.

Some models allow you to make multiple cups at once, which is perfect when you're entertaining or don't want the hassle of refilling a pot every few minutes. Some even have a drip tray, which makes it unnecessary to have an additional one on your counter. These pod-based machines can be useful however, our test subjects discovered that ground beans are more controllable and cost less in the long term than pods.

There are three kinds of coffee and espresso makers: semiautomatic, manual and fully automated. Manual machines require the user to manually pull the espresso shot and steam milk. Semiautomatics require filling the portafilter manually and deciding when to stop pulling the shot, which offers a more barista-like experience however it is messy and time consuming. Full-automatics are more user-friendly and can produce cafe-worthy drinks at the touch of a button, but they are generally more expensive than other types of espresso and coffee machines.

3. Reliable

One of the most important aspects of a quality espresso and coffee maker is the consistent brewing temperature. According to Cotter, the machine that achieves and maintains the ideal temperature of 185-205 degrees Fahrenheit will guarantee proper extraction and stop scorching of grounds. This is why he placed the Cuisinart CCMF700 above other models that cost more in our test.

In addition to temperature, the kind of water used by brewers can affect taste. Hard water, which contains high levels of dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium tends to accumulate faster in machines and require more frequent descaling. On the other hand, soft or filtered water can improve the flavor and lessen the buildup of minerals.

Whether you opt for a pod-based or ground-based model, the best filter coffee machine should have a clear and user-friendly interface. This is especially critical if you'll be using the machine regularly or have house guests. The Cuisinart CCMF700 digital display is easy to read and has intuitive icons that allow you to monitor and set timers for brewing. It also includes an insulated water tank that can be removed to make refills easy and an indicator that clearly will let you know when the reservoir is full.

Another attribute that a top filter coffee machine needs to have is solid heat retention. The Cuisinart CCMF700 performed well in this test, keeping the heat of its water for over four hours after completing a cycle. The carafe, brewing container and coffeemaker can be cleaned in the sink or dishwasher.

There are three kinds: semiautomatic and fully automatic. Manual machines require that you pull a lever to create pressure. This gives you greater control and a barista experience, but it can also be messy and require a lot of time. Semiautomatic machines allow you to fill a portafilter by hand, but they stop the flow of espresso water after it's done. This helps prevent over-extraction. They are typically cheaper than super-automatic or fully automated models.

4. Affordability

The Cuisinart CM-10 is a simple, low-maintenance filter coffee maker. It produces delicious tasting coffee. It comes with a hopper that holds a half-pound of beans, and has six settings to grind the coffee. This lets you achieve the perfect cup each time. The CM-10 has digitally displayed levels of water, so you don't have to keep bending over the machine to determine the remaining water. The carafe also has thermal coating, which means the coffee will remain hot for a long time.

Take a look at the Breville Spinn if you're looking for a coffee maker that is high-tech and can be programmed with an app. This pint-sized machine does not use filters or a pressurized steamer for espresso shots, but instead spins a centrifuge to simulate a variety of different types of brewing techniques, including pour-over. The machine can be programmed to create coffee at a particular time and can accommodate up to a cup of beans. It also works with Alexa and Google Home so you can use voice commands to start it up or set a time for it to brew.

Another option that is reasonably priced is the iKettle from the Italian coffee company Illy. This compact, sleek machine can brew both ground coffee as well as pods, and can also be used to make cold brew. The water level was clearly visible on the tank and the reservoir needs to be refilled only every three or Brewers four uses. The iKettle can also be placed on a counter and isn't an ugly eye-sore.

The Nespresso Inissia may be expensive however it's a top-quality filter machine that is worth the extra money for coffee lovers who are serious about their coffee. It was awarded the Golden Cup certification from the Specialty Coffee Association and makes exceptional coffee that's perfectly balanced in ratio of water to coffee and brewing temperature. The showerhead that is wide in this model ensures that the grounds are fully soaked and agitated. Additionally, you can select between two different brew strengths for your ideal cup.