Filter Coffee Makers
In a sea filled with expensive barista-esque coffee machines filter coffee makers are the reliable, simplistic original method of making coffee. They are affordable and can be bought at the market for around PS20.
These filter coffee makers typically come with normal functions, such as an alarm clock that wakes you up with a cup of coffee at the right time. They can heat the water to the perfect temperature for brewing filter coffee.
1. Chemex
The sleek, elegant glass Chemex coffee maker has been a favorite by coffee enthusiasts since it was invented by Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. The flask's shape is reminiscent of an Erlenmeyer flask, which is likely the source of the name (or perhaps Fleming was influenced by it when writing From Russia With Love). It's been a cult in the world of specialty coffee 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 and Melitta, this filter coffee maker is a manual brewing technique where hot water is poured over the pre-soaked grounds in a steady controlled way that allows for an even extraction of flavour. The most important thing to ensure a great Chemex brew is to ensure that your grinds are medium-fine and that you use the correct filter. Chemex uses more robust filters that are 'lab grade in comparison to the thin paper filters used in the majority of filter machines. These filters remove more coffee oils and fines which can give your brew an unpleasant taste.
The beverage 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 it to ensure that the brew does not over-extracted.
drip coffee machines of the Chemex coffee maker is that it takes a bit longer to brew a cup of coffee than other filter coffee makers and requires a bit of know-how to achieve the most effective results. It's not as adept at making large quantities of coffee like an electric filter machine. Therefore, it's best 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may not have the bells and whistles other modern machines do, but it is still an efficient machine that will never be outdated. The method used to brew coffee heats 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 a perfect temperature throughout the entire brewing process means it's also a very energy-efficient device. Its design makes it simple to disassemble and wash, to ensure that the components remain fresh and clean between use.
When it comes to making a good cup of filter 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 dispersed and don't block water flow. The Moccamaster also comes with a shower head that sprays the grounds to ensure a consistent extraction.
The Moccamaster has a further advantage It's very easy to maintain. It is constructed from top-quality materials, including stainless steel, and 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 a great choice for those who are looking for 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! Coffee Hit has a full range of slow filters for coffee.
3. Wilfa
The Norwegian company Wilfa creates outstanding filter coffee machines with an emphasis on simplicity, function and great design. Their products display Scandinavian minimalism at its best. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker For instance, it is a quirky design that makes it stand out. This premium filter coffee maker has a sense of security and comes with a 5-year guarantee that ensures its longevity.
The design of this brewer makes it simple to set up, fill it with water and then begin the brewing process. This brewer has one liter of water tank that is easily cleaned. The pump technology makes sure that the entire system is emptied with every brew. This is unlike other filter coffee machines that leave water behind, which can alter the subsequent brews. This allows you to make use of fresh water for each batch of coffee, ensuring that your coffee always tastes good.
With the Classic Plus, you'll find an easy-to-use design that has a variety of useful features including a flow control knob that can be manually operated (close it off for a while to get a stronger beverage), overflow drain in the filter holder, a light that reminds you to descale the appliance, an automatic switch off and an automatic drip stopper to stop spills from the hotplate. The brewer is able to heat water quickly to the desired temperature of 92 to 96 degrees Celsius.
This brewer can make between one to 10 cups of filter coffee. Each cup is 250ml in volume and takes between three and four minutes. The brewer comes with an stainless steel thermo jug to help in keeping the coffee brewed at the perfect temperature for drinking. This is a great feature and a major selling point over other filter coffee makers that only keep the coffee warm on the hotplate.
4. Bonavita
This top-rated auto drip coffee maker will help you make the most of your coffee. The Bonavita Connoisseur is a sleek and minimalist appliance that's user-friendly. It features a stainless steel carafe with an 1.3-liter capacity and is compatible with standard flat bottom basket filters (not the cones in #4 that are recommended by Moccamaster and other SCAA-certified equipment).
The design of the Bonavita is simple and clean and includes an inbuilt filter holder that keeps the filters in place during the brewing process. This makes it easier to avoid mess during the brewing process. The machine also features a shower head that ensures uniform distribution of water over the grounds, resulting in better extraction of flavors and aromas.
The precise control of water temperature is another reason to consider the Bonavita an excellent filter coffee maker. The thermocouple measurements from the brew basin confirmed that water reached the perfect temperature in only minutes. The average internal temperature was 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the brewing process, only fluctuating by a few degrees.
Like other programmable filter coffee makers such as the Bonavita can be programmed to start at a particular time and set to a certain brew time. It can also be set to a particular temperature and size of brew. This feature allows you to make just one cup at a go which is great for busy families.
One disadvantage of the Bonavita is that it lacks a pre-infusion function, which enhances the flavor by allowing more of the ground coffee to become saturated with water. It can be difficult to determine the exact amount of coffee grounds required, since different coffees are of varying density. The most accurate method to determine the amount of grounds is to weigh them on a scale instead of using the equivalent of a teaspoon.
5. Melitta
This machine is made by the brand that invented the filter coffee. It has a number features that will enhance the brewing process. The filter holder comes with a drip-stop to prevent spills when removing the jug. There's also a handy keep warm function, so you can enjoy freshly made coffee for up to 40 minutes after the brew has been complete.
The jug and the filter basket are made of high-quality borosilicate glass. The jug and basket are easily cleaned by hand or in the dishwasher. The epour comes with an LED limescale indicator to let you can tell when it's time to descale. This model also has a built-in bloom setting which helps to release unwanted trapped CO2 that could lead to bitter tasting cups of coffee.
This machine is ideal for those seeking a machine with a small footprint. The Aroma Elegance is a little wider and taller than the Moccamaster It can still fit in a corner thanks to its angle design. It's easy to operate with just one hand and comes with a clearly laid out design of the selection buttons. The water tank can be easily removed making it easy to fill.
The machine can be programmed to make coffee at a specific 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 coffee brewing experience more enjoyable, including adjustable water hardness, auto descaling, and three keep warm settings. Melitta is also an eco-friendly product, using sustainably sourced materials and chlorine-free papers in their filters. This is evident in their products and packaging which are 100% recyclable.