Filter Coffee Makers
Filter coffee makers are a simple, reliable alternative to the expensive barista style coffee machines. They're cheap to buy and can be found on the high street for about PS20.
These filter coffee makers come with a variety of functions such as a clock that can make you feel refreshed with an espresso at the right time. They heat water to the perfect temperature for brewing filter coffee.
1. Chemex
Since its invention by Peter Schlumbohm, in 1941, the sleek and stylish glass Chemex has become a favorite among coffee drinkers. The hourglass-shaped flask like an Erlenmeyer flask which is probably the source of the name from (or perhaps Fleming was inspired by it when he wrote From Russia With Love). It's been a cult in the specialty coffee scene for its stylish aesthetic and crystal clear filter coffees that are easy see through.
This filter coffee maker, similar to other pour-over coffee makers such as the V60 dripper or Melitta is an brewing method that is manual, that involves pouring hot water slowly over pre-soaked ground in a controlled manner to ensure a uniform extraction. 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 type of filter. Chemex utilizes thicker filters, which are lab-grade in comparison to the thin paper filters found in most filter machines. These filters remove more coffee oils and fines which can cause your brew to have a bad taste.
Once the Chemex is full, you just need to remove the filter and your beverage is ready to drink. A good suggestion is to let your brew 'bloom for 30 seconds prior to pouring, this allows the ground expand and absorb the water, ensuring that it doesn't get too extracted.
The downside to a Chemex is that it may take longer than some other filter coffee makers to make your cup of coffee. It also requires a certain level of expertise to get the best results. It's not as efficient at making large quantities of coffee as an electronic filter machine. It's therefore better suited for those who prefer small batches and manual brewing.
2. Moccamaster
The Moccamaster might not come with the bells and whistles more modern machines do, but it's still an efficient machine that will never lose its appeal. The brewing process heats water to just above boiling point which is ideal for filter coffee as it eliminates bitterness that can sometimes be associated with boiling coffee.
It's energy efficient because the Moccamaster can keep the water at the optimal temperature for the entire making process. Additionally, its design permits it to be removed and cleaned, meaning the components will remain clean and fresh between uses.
If you are looking to make a quality cup, use a medium-fine ground. This is similar to a Chemex pour-over or brewer. This will ensure that the grounds are evenly dispersed and do not block the water flow. The Moccamaster comes with a showerhead that sprays grounds evenly to ensure that they are extracted.
The Moccamaster has a further advantage It is also very simple to maintain. It's constructed of top-quality materials, such as stainless steel and BPAand 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 fantastic choice for filter coffee lovers who want to invest in a premium filter 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 complete range of slow-coffee filters, be sure to check out my friends at Coffee Hit.
3. Wilfa
The Norwegian company Wilfa makes outstanding filter coffee makers with a emphasis on functionality, simplicity and a stunning design. Their products showcase Scandinavian minimalism at its best. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker is a prime example It is a striking nerdy look that makes this automatic maker stand out from the rest. It also oozes confidence with 5-year guarantee that supports the longevity of this top-quality filter coffee maker.
The design of this brewer makes it simple to set up, fill it with water and begin the brewing process. This brewer has one litre of water that is removable tank that is easy to clean. Its pump technology ensures that the entire system empties with each brew unlike other coffee makers with filter technology that leave water in the system affecting subsequent brews. This lets you use fresh water for every new batch of coffee, making sure that your coffee will always taste good.
With the Classic Plus, you'll find an elegant and simple design that comes with a number of useful features including a flow control knob that can be manually operated (close it for a time to make more strength in your brew), overflow drain in the filter holder, an indicator that reminds you to descale your appliance, automatic switch off and an automatic drip stopper to stop spills on the hotplate. The brewer quickly heats water to the desired temperature of 92-96degC.
The brewer can make between one and 10 cups of filter-coffee each cup is approximately 250ml, and takes about three to four minutes to make. The brewer includes the thermo jug, which is made of stainless steel to ensure that the coffee is at the ideal temperature for drinking. This is a great feature that helps it stand apart from other filter coffee makers which only keep the coffee warm.
4. Bonavita
Unlock your coffee's full potential with this top-rated auto drip brewer. The Bonavita Connoisseur is a sleek and minimalist device that is user-friendly. It features a stainless steel carafe with capacity of 1.3-liter capacity and is compatible with standard flat bottom filters (not the #4 cones that are recommended by Moccamaster and other SCAA-certified equipment).
The design of the Bonavita is simple and clean, and it includes an integrated filter holder that keeps the filters in place while the brewing process. This helps prevent messes during the brewing process. It also comes with shower heads that guarantee even distribution of water over the grounds, resulting in a greater extraction of flavors and aromas.
filtered coffee makers over water temperature is another reason why the Bonavita is an excellent filter coffee maker. The thermocouple measurements taken from the brew-basket confirmed that water reached the perfect temperature within minutes. The average temperature of the brew basket remained at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit for the remaining brewing process with only a few degrees in either direction.
The Bonavita, like other programmable coffee makers, can be programmed to begin at a certain time and set an exact brew time. It is also able to be adjusted to a specific brew size and temperature. This feature allows you to make only one cup at any given time, which can be beneficial for families with a busy schedule.
The Bonavita does not come with a pre-infusion function, which can improve flavor by permitting more ground coffee to be saturated with water. It can also be difficult to determine the exact amount of ground coffee required, as various coffees have different densities. The most accurate method to measure the amount grounds is to weigh them on an scale, rather than using the use of a teaspoon.
5. Melitta
From the company that invented filter coffee, comes this machine with a number of features to enhance your drinking experience. There's a drip stop built into the filter holder to prevent spills when removing the jug. There's also a handy keep-warm function, so you can enjoy your freshly prepared coffee for up to 40 minutes after the brew is complete.
The jug, filter basket and lid are constructed of high-quality borosilicate crystals. They are easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher. The epour also has an LED limescale indicator to let you can tell when it's time to descale. This model has an integrated bloom setting that helps to release CO2 trapped in the system, which can result in an bitter tasting cup.
If you're looking for a machine with tiny footprint, this is the one. The Aroma Elegance is only slightly larger and wider than the Moccamaster however, it can be placed in a corner thanks to its angled design. It is easy to operate with just one hand and has clearly laid out design of the selection buttons. The water tank can be easily removed making it easy to refill.
Another great feature is that the machine can be programmed to brew coffee at a particular time. This allows you to awake with fresh hot filter coffee that can save you time and energy. Aroma Elegance also has other functions that will enhance your coffee brewing experience with features like programmable water softness, auto-descaling and 3 keep warm settings. Melitta is also an eco-friendly company made from sustainably-sourced materials and chlorine-free paper in their filters. This is reflected by their products and packaging that are 100 recycled to a hundred percent.