Filter Coffee Makers
In a sea of costly barista-style coffee machines, filter coffee makers are the reliable, simple original method of brewing. They're cheap to buy and are available on the high street for about PS20.
The filter coffee makers are equipped with a variety of functions including a timer to make you feel refreshed with the perfect cup of coffee at the perfect time. They heat water to the perfect temperature to brew filter coffee.
1. Chemex
The sleek, elegant glass Chemex coffee maker has been a popular choice for coffee lovers since it was first invented by Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. The flask's hourglass shape is reminiscent of an Erlenmeyer flask which is probably the reason for the name (or perhaps Fleming was inspired by it when writing From Russia With Love). It has become a cult coffee icon for its stylish aesthetics and crystal clear filter brews.
Similar to other pour over coffee makers such as the V60 dripper as well as the Melitta filter coffee maker is a manual brewing method where hot water is poured over the pre-soaked grounds in a steady controlled manner that permits an even extraction of flavor. The key to a successful Chemex brew is to ensure that your grinds are medium coarse and you are using the right type of filter. Chemex makes use of more robust filters that are 'lab grade rather than the thin paper filters used in the majority of 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 the beverage is ready to drink. Allow your brew to 'bloom or absorb the water for 30 seconds, before pouring. This will help the ground expand and absorb the water so that the brew is not over-extracted.
The downside of Chemex Chemex is that it can take longer than some other filter coffee makers to brew your cup of coffee. It also requires a certain level of experience to achieve the best results. It also doesn't lend itself to making a lot of cups at once like an electric filter coffee machine which is why it's better for smaller batches and those who are interested in the art and art of manual making coffee.
2. Moccamaster
While it may not come with all the bells and whistles of modern machines however, the Moccamaster is still a reliable workhorse that is sure to never be outdated. The brewing process heats water to a point that is just above boiling which is ideal for filter coffee because it prevents the bitterness that can sometimes be caused by boiling coffee.
It's energy efficient because the Moccamaster can keep the water at an optimal temperature throughout the brewing process. In addition, its design permits it to be taken apart and cleaned, ensuring that the components will remain clean and fresh between use.
If you're looking to make a quality cup, use a medium-fine grind. This is similar to a Chemex brewer or pour-over. This will ensure that the grounds are evenly distributed and don't impede water flow. The Moccamaster includes a showerhead that sprays grounds evenly to ensure that they are extracted.
Another excellent feature of the Moccamaster is that it's very easy to maintain. It is constructed from top-quality materials like 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 an excellent option for those who are looking to purchase a top-quality 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! Coffee Hit has a full range of slow filters for coffee.
3. Wilfa
The Norwegian company Wilfa creates amazing filter coffee machines with a the focus on simplicity, efficiency and stunning design. Their products showcase Scandinavian minimalism at its best. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker is one such example It has an interesting nerdy look that makes this auto maker stand out from the crowd. This premium filter coffee maker exudes confidence and comes with a 5-year guarantee that guarantees its durability.
This brewer is simple to use. Simply fill it with water and then start making. The brewer comes with a 1 litre water tank that can be easily cleaned. The pump technology in the brewer ensures that the entire system drains after each brew, unlike other coffee makers with filter technology that leave water in the system that affects subsequent brews. This enables you to use fresh water for every new batch of coffee, ensuring that your coffee will always taste great.
The Classic Plus has a simple but elegant design. It comes with many useful features, like a flow control knob that you can manually adjust (close it for a short time to ensure more strength in your drink), an overflow drain within your filter holder, the reminder to clean your appliance, an automatic switch-off, and the drip stopper manual to ensure that no spills fall onto the hotplate. This brewer warms the water quickly to a suitable temperature of 92-96 degrees Celsius for optimal extraction.
This brewer can make between one to 10 cups of filter coffee. Each cup is generously 250ml in size and takes three to four minutes. The brewer comes with an stainless steel thermo jug for keeping the coffee brewed at the ideal drinking temperature. This is a fantastic feature and a major selling advantage over other filter coffee makers that only keep the coffee warm on the hotplate.
4. Bonavita
Discover the full potential of your coffee with this top-rated auto drip brewer. The Bonavita Connoisseur has a minimalist design and is easy to use. It comes with a stainless-steel carafe that holds 1.3 Liters and can be used to filter coffee using standard flat bottom baskets (not the #4 cones suggested by Moccamaster or other SCAA-certified machines).
The Bonavita is simple and clean design. coffee makers drip comes with a built in filter holder that holds the filters during the brewing. This helps to prevent contamination during the brewing process. The machine has showerheads that distribute water evenly across the grounds. This allows for better extraction of flavors.
The Bonavita's ability to control the temperature of the water is another reason it is a great filter coffee maker. The thermocouple measurements taken 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, with only fluctuating a few degrees either way.
The Bonavita is, like other programmable coffee makers, can be programmed to start at a specific time and to establish a specific brew period. It can also be adjusted to a specific brew size and temperature. This feature allows you to only brew one cup at any given time, which can be beneficial for families with a busy schedule.
The Bonavita does not have a pre-infusion function, which can improve flavor by allowing more ground coffee to be soaked with water. Additionally, it can be difficult to accurately measure the amount of grounds required because different coffees have varying densities. It's best to weigh the grounds using a scale instead of using a tablespoon, as this is the most precise method to measure it.
5. Melitta
This machine is from the company that invented filter coffee filter. It comes with a range of features that will enhance your brewing. The filter holder has a drip-stopper to avoid spills when removing the jug. It also has a handy keep-warm function, so you can take pleasure in your freshly brewed coffee for up to 40 minutes after the brew has been complete.
The jug and the filter basket are made from high-quality borosilicate glass. They are easy to clean either by hand or by using your dishwasher. The epour has an easy-to-read LED limescale indicator so that you will know when to descale. This model comes with a built-in bloom setting that allows you to release CO2 trapped in the system, which can cause a bitter tasting cup.
This machine is ideal for those looking for a machine that has smaller footprint. The Aroma Elegance is slightly taller and wider than the Moccamaster however, it can still fit in a corner due to its angle design. It is easy to use with its easy to use selection button layout and can be operated with one hand. The tank of water can be easily removed, making it easy to fill.
The machine can also be programmed to make coffee at a specific time. This allows you to get up to fresh hot filter coffee that can save you time and energy. The Aroma Elegance has a variety of other features that 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 that uses sustainably sourced materials and chlorine-free paper for their filters. This is evident in their products and packaging, which are 100% recyclable.