Filter Coffee Makers
In a sea of costly barista-like coffee machines, filter coffee makers are the reliable, simple original method of making coffee. They're affordable to purchase and can be found on the high street at around PS20.
These filter coffee makers typically have normal functions including an alarm clock that wakes you up with a cup of coffee at the right moment. They can heat water to a perfect temperature for brewing filter coffee.
1. Chemex
The sleek, stylish glass Chemex coffee maker has been a popular choice amongst coffee enthusiasts since it was invented by Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. The hourglass-shaped flask is reminiscent of an Erlenmeyer flask which is probably where the odd name comes from (or perhaps Fleming got inspiration from it when he wrote From Russia With Love). It's been a coffee icon due to its elegant design and crystal clear filter coffees.
Similar to other pour-over coffee makers such as the V60 dripper and the Melitta filter coffee maker is a manual brewing technique where hot water is poured over the ground in a steady, controlled way that allows for an even extraction of flavour. The key to a good Chemex brew is to ensure that your grinds are medium coarse and that you utilize the right type of filter. Chemex makes use of thicker filters, which are lab-grade,' as opposed to the thin paper filters found in many filter machines. These filters are able to remove more coffee oils and fines which can cause your brew to have a bad taste.
The brew will be ready to drink once the Chemex has been filled. Allow your brew to 'bloom,' or absorb the water for 30 seconds, before pouring. This will help the ground expand and absorb the water to ensure that the brew does not drained too much.
The downside to Chemex is that Chemex is that it will take longer than some other filter coffee makers to brew your coffee. It also requires a certain level of expertise to get the best results. It's not as adept at making large batches of coffee like an electronic filter machine. It's therefore better suited for those who prefer small batches and manual brewing.
2. Moccamaster
The Moccamaster may not have the bells and whistles other modern machines do, but it is still an efficient machine that will never go out-of-style. Its brewing method is to heat water just above the boiling point, which is ideal for filter coffee as it prevents bitterness.
It's energy efficient because the Moccamaster can keep the water at the optimal temperature throughout the brewing process. Its design makes it simple to take apart and clean, to ensure that the components remain fresh and clean between usages.
If you want to make a good filter coffee cup it is recommended to make use of a medium-fine grinder, just like a Chemex or pour-over brewer, to ensure that the grounds are evenly dispersed and don't block flow of water. The Moccamaster also includes a shower head that sprays the grounds to ensure even extraction.
Another benefit of the Moccamaster is that it's easy to maintain. It's made of high-quality materials, such as stainless steel and BPA- and phthalate-free plastics. Coffeee 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 fantastic option 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 comprehensive selection of slow-coffee filters, check out my friends at Coffee Hit.
3. Wilfa
The Norwegian company Wilfa produces excellent filter coffee machines that have a the focus on simplicity, function and great design. Their products are the epitomize of Scandinavian minimalistic design. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker is one of them It has an interesting nerdy look that makes this auto maker stand out from the crowd. This premium filter coffee maker also has a sense of security and comes with a 5-year guarantee which guarantees its durability.
This brewer is simple to use. Simply fill it with water and then begin making. This brewer features one litre of water that is removable tank that is easy to clean. The pump technology in the brewer ensures that the entire system drains every time you brew it unlike other filter coffee makers that leave water in the system, affecting subsequent brews. This allows you to use fresh water for each batch of coffee, making sure that your coffee will always taste good.
With the Classic Plus, you'll find a simple yet smart design with many useful features like the manual flow control wheel (close it off for a few minutes to enjoy an even stronger brew) as well as an overflow drain in the filter holder, an indicator that reminds you to descale your appliance, an automatic switch off and an automatic drip stopper to stop spills from the hotplate. This brewer heats water quickly to the desired temperature of 92-96degC.
The brewer can produce between one to 10 cups of filter coffee. Each cup is generously 250ml in size and takes about three to four minutes. The maker comes with the stainless steel thermo jug that is designed for keeping the coffee brewed at the perfect temperature for drinking. This is a great feature that helps it stand against other filter coffee makers that only keep the coffee warm.
4. Bonavita
Unlock your coffee's full potential with this top-rated auto drip brewer. The Bonavita Connoisseur has a minimalist design and is easy to use. It features a stainless steel carafe with a 1.3-liter capacity and is compatible with standard flat bottom filters (not the cones in #4 that are recommended by Moccamaster and other SCAA-certified machines).
The Bonavita is a simple and sleek design. It also has an integrated filter holder, which is used to hold the filters during the brewing process. This prevents mess during the brewing process. The machine also features shower heads that ensure even distribution of water over the grounds, resulting in a better extraction of flavors and aromas.
Its precise control over the temperature of the water is another reason to consider the Bonavita an excellent filter coffee maker. The thermocouple measurements taken from the brew-basket confirmed that the water was at the perfect temperature in only minutes. The average internal temperature stayed at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the remaining brewing process and only fluctuated just a few degrees in either direction.
Like other filter coffee makers that can be programmed like the Bonavita can be programmed to start at a particular time and set to a certain time for brewing. It can be set to a specific temperature and size of brew. This feature allows you to make only one cup at any given time, which is beneficial for families with a busy schedule.
One drawback of the Bonavita is that it doesn't have a pre-infusion function that enhances flavor by allowing more of the 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 accurate way to measure the amount grounds is to weigh them on an scale, rather than using a teaspoon.
5. Melitta
From the brand which invented filter coffee is this machine that has a number of features to enhance your enjoyment of brewing. There's a drip stop in the filter holder, which will prevent spills when removing the jug. The coffee can be kept warm for upto forty minutes after brewing.
The jug and the filter basket are made of high-quality borosilicate glass. They are easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher. The epour has an LED limescale indicator so that you will know when to descale. The model comes with an inbuilt bloom setting that allows you to release trapped CO2 which can cause a bitter tasting cup.
This machine is ideal for those who are looking for a machine with an extremely small footprint. The Aroma Elegance is only a little wider and taller than the Moccamaster It can still fit in a corner due to its angled design. It is easy to operate using just one hand, and features clearly laid out design of the selection buttons. The tank of water is easily removable and makes it easy to fill it up.
The machine can be programmed to brew coffee at a certain time. This can save both time and effort by allowing you to get up to a new, warm filter. Aroma Elegance also has other features that will make your brewing experience better by allowing you to program 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 in their packaging and products which are 100 recycled to a hundred percent.