Filter Coffee Makers
Filter coffee makers are a simple, reliable alternative to the expensive barista style coffee machines. They are affordable and can be found on the high streets at around PS20.
These coffee makers for filtering typically have normal functions including a timer to wake you up with a cup of coffee at the right time. They heat the water to the perfect temperature for brewing filter coffee.
1. Chemex
Since its invention by Peter Schlumbohm, in 1941 the sleek and elegant glass Chemex has become a favorite for coffee enthusiasts. The hourglass-shaped flask is similar to an Erlenmeyer flask which is where the odd name comes from (or maybe Fleming was inspired by it while writing From Russia With Love). It has become a cult coffee brand for its sleek design and crystal clear filter brews.
This filter coffee maker, like other pour-over coffee makers like the V60 dripper or Melitta is a manual brewing technique where hot water is poured slowly over the ground that has been soaked in a controlled manner to ensure a consistent extraction. To get the most out of your Chemex coffee, you have to use medium-coarse grinds and the correct filter. Chemex uses more robust filters that are 'lab grade in comparison 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.
When the Chemex is full, you simply lift out the filter and your brew is ready to drink. A good suggestion is to let your brew 'bloom' for 30 seconds before pouring, this allows the ground expand and absorb the water to ensure that it's not over extracted.
The only drawback of the Chemex coffee maker is that it takes more time to brew a cup of coffee than other filter coffee makers, and requires know-how to achieve the best results. It's not as good in making large batches of coffee as an electric filter machine. It's therefore better suited for those who prefer manual brewing and smaller batches.
2. Moccamaster
The Moccamaster might not come with the bells and whistles other modern machines have, but it's still a reliable machine that will never be outdated. Its brewing method is to heat water just above boiling temperature, which is ideal for filter coffee since it prevents bitterness.
The fact that the Moccamaster can keep the water at an ideal temperature throughout the entire brew process, makes it an energy-efficient device. Its design makes it simple to clean and disassemble so that the components can remain fresh and clean between uses.
If you want to make a good filter coffee you should 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 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's made of high-quality materials, such as stainless steel and BPA- and phthalate-free materials. 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 fantastic choice for filter coffee enthusiasts who are seeking an excellent 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 makes outstanding filter coffee makers with a emphasis on functionality, simplicity and stunning design. Their products display Scandinavian minimalistism at its finest. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker, for example, has a nerdy appearance that makes it stand out. 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 up with water, and you are able to begin the process of brewing. This brewer comes with a 1 litre water tank that is easily cleaned. Its pump technology ensures that the entire system empties after each brew unlike other filter coffee makers that leave water in the system affecting subsequent brews. This lets you use new water for every batch of coffee, ensuring that your coffee will always taste good.
The Classic Plus has a simple but elegant design. It is equipped with a number of useful features, such as a flow control knob that can be manually adjusted (close it for a short time to make more strength in your beverage) and an overflow drain within your filter holder as well as the reminder to clean your appliance, an automatic shut-off, and the drip stopper manual to ensure that no spills fall onto the hotplate. The brewer is able to heat water quickly to the desired temperature of 92-96degC.
This brewer can make between one to 10 cups of filter coffee. Each cup is 250ml in volume and takes three to four minutes. The maker comes with a stainless steel thermo jug for keeping the coffee at the right temperature for drinking. This is a fantastic feature that sets it apart from other coffee makers that only keep the coffee warm.
4. Bonavita
Get the most out of your coffee with this top-rated auto drip brewer. The Bonavita Connoisseur is a sleek and minimalist device that is simple to use. It comes with a stainless-steel carafe that can hold 1.3 Liters and can be used to filter coffee using flat bottom baskets (not the #4 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 to keep the filters in place during brewing. This prevents mess during the brewing process. The machine comes with a showerhead that distributes water evenly over the grounds. This helps in the extraction of flavors.
Its tight control over water temperature is another reason why the Bonavita is an excellent filter coffee maker. Thermocouple measurements from the brew-basket confirmed that the water reached the perfect temperature in only minutes. The average internal temperature remained at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the brewing process, just changing by a few degrees.
The Bonavita, like other programmable coffee makers can be programmed to begin at a particular time and to set an exact brew time. It can also be adjusted to a specific size of brew and temperature. This feature lets you only brew one cup at any given time, which is beneficial for families with a busy schedule.
One downside to the Bonavita is that it doesn't have the pre-infusion feature, which helps improve flavor by encouraging more of the coffee to become saturated with water. It is also difficult to determine accurately the amount of coffee grounds required as different coffees have a distinct density. It is best to weigh the grounds using an instrument instead of using a tablespoon, since this is the most accurate way to measure it.
5. Melitta
From the brand that invented filter coffee comes this machine with several features that improve your coffee brewing experience. The filter holder comes with an anti-drip stop to prevent spills while taking the jug out. It also has a handy keep-warm function, allowing you to take pleasure in your freshly brewed coffee for up to 40 minutes after the brew has been complete.
The jug, filter basket and lid are made of high-quality borosilicate glasses. The jug and filter basket are easily cleaned by hand or by using the dishwasher. The epour features an easy-to-read LED limescale indicator so that you will know when to descale. The model also comes with a built in bloom setting, which allows you to 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 a small footprint, this is it. The Aroma Elegance might be slightly taller and wider than the Moccamaster but can still fit in a corner because of its angle design. It is easy to operate with just one hand, and features clearly laid out design of the selection buttons. dripping coffee is easily removable, making it easier to fill it up.
Another advantage is that the machine can be programmed to brew coffee at a particular time. This allows you to wake up with fresh hot filter coffee, and can save you both time and energy. The Aroma Elegance has a variety of other features to make your brewing experience more enjoyable, such as programmable water hardness, auto descaling, and three keep warm settings. Melitta uses chlorine-free paper and sustainably-sourced materials in its filters. This is evident in their products and packaging, which are also 100 recycled to a hundred percent.