Filter Coffee Makers

In a sea of expensive barista-style coffee machines, filter coffee makers are the reliable, simple original method of brewing. They're inexpensive to purchase and can be found in the high streets for about PS20.

These filter coffee makers typically include normal functions like an alarm clock that wakes you up with a cup of coffee 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 fashionable glass Chemex has been a favorite for dripping coffee drinkers. The flask's shape is reminiscent of an Erlenmeyer flask, which is likely the reason for the name (or maybe Fleming was influenced by it when he wrote From Russia With Love). It's been an icon in the world of specialty coffee for its sleek design and crystal clear filter brews that are easy to see through.

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 pre-soaked ground in a controlled manner to ensure a uniform extraction. The key to a successful Chemex brew is to make sure that your grinds are medium-fine and that you use the right type of filter. Contrary to the thin paper filters used in the majority of filter coffee machines, Chemex uses thicker 'lab-grade' filters which remove more coffee oils and fines that can cause your brew to have a bitter taste.

The beer will be ready for drink after the Chemex is filled. It is a good idea to let the brew "bloom for 30 seconds prior to pouring, this helps the ground to expand and absorb the water to ensure that it doesn't get too extracted.

The downside to Chemex Chemex is that it may take longer than some other filter coffee makers to brew your coffee. It also requires a certain amount of expertise for the best results. It's not as adept at making large batches of coffee like an electric filter machine. It's therefore better suited for those who prefer the manual method of brewing and smaller batches.

2. Moccamaster

The Moccamaster may not have the bells and whistles more modern devices have, but it's still a reliable machine that will never be outdated. Its brewing process heats water to just above the boiling point which is perfect for filter coffee as it eliminates bitterness that is often caused by boiling coffee.

The fact that the Moccamaster is able to keep the water at a perfect temperature throughout the entire brew process, makes it an energy-efficient device. Its design makes it easy to take apart and clean, to ensure that the components remain fresh and clean between usages.

When it comes to a good flavoured filter coffee coffee, you'll want 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 flow of water. The Moccamaster includes a showerhead that sprays grounds evenly, ensuring that the coffee is extracted.

The Moccamaster has another great feature It is also very simple to maintain. It is made from high-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 filter coffee enthusiasts who are looking for 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! For a complete range of slow-coffee filtering, 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 stunning design. Their products are the epitome of Scandinavian minimalistic design. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker For instance, it has a nerdy appearance that makes it stand out. It also oozes confidence thanks to a 5-year guarantee that ensures the durability of this premium filter & drip coffee coffee maker.

The design of this brewer makes it simple to set up, fill it with water and then begin brewing. This brewer has a 1 litre removable water tank that is easy to clean. The pump technology ensures the entire system is completely emptied after every brew. This is in contrast to other filter coffee machines that leave water behind, which can impact subsequent brews. This allows you to use fresh water for each new batch of coffee, making sure that your coffee will always taste good.

With the Classic Plus, you'll find a simple yet smart design that comes with a number of useful features including a manual flow control wheel (close it off for a few minutes to enjoy an even stronger drink) and an overflow drain inside the filter holder, a light that reminds you to descale the appliance, an automatic switch off and a drip stopper that can be manually operated to stop spills from the hotplate. The brewer heats water quickly to a desirable temperature of 92-96 degrees Celsius for optimal extraction.

This brewer is capable of making between one and 10 cups of filter coffee. Each cup is 250ml and takes between three and four minutes. The brewer comes with the stainless steel thermo jug for keeping the coffee brewed at the ideal drinking temperature. This is a great feature that sets it against other coffee makers that only keep the coffee warm.

4. Bonavita

This top-rated auto drip coffee brewer will allow you to maximize the potential of your coffee. The Bonavita Connoisseur is a sleek and minimalist appliance that's simple to use. It comes with a stainless steel carafe which holds 1.3 Liters and can be used to filter coffee using flat bottom baskets (not the cones recommended by Moccamaster or other SCAA-certified machines).

The Bonavita is simple and elegant design. It also has an inbuilt filter holder, which holds the filters during brewing. This makes it easier to avoid contamination during the brewing process. The machine has showerheads that spread water evenly across the grounds. This allows for better extraction of flavors.

The Bonavita's ability to regulate the temperature of water precisely is another reason why it's a great filter coffee maker. The thermocouple measurements from the brew basin confirmed that the water reached the ideal temperature in just minutes. The average temperature of the brew basket remained at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the remaining time of the brewing process and only fluctuated a few degrees in either direction.

Like other filter coffe machine coffee makers that can be programmed like the Bonavita can be programmed to switch on at a specific time and set to a specific time for brewing. It can be set to a specific temperature and the size of the brew. This makes it possible to make just one cup at a go which is great for busy families.

The Bonavita isn't equipped with a pre-infusion function, which can improve flavor by allowing more coffee grounds to be soaked in water. It can be difficult to determine accurately the amount of grounds of coffee needed because different coffees have a distinct density. The most precise method to measure the amount grounds is to weigh them using a scale rather than using a teaspoon.

5. Melitta

From the brand that invented filter coffee comes this machine with a number of features to improve your coffee enjoyment of brewing. There's a drip coffee machine 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 brewed coffee for up to 40 minutes after the brew has been complete.

The jug, the filter basket and lid are constructed of high-quality borosilicate glass. They are easy to clean by hand or in your dishwasher. The epour comes with a handy LED limescale indicator so that you can know when to descale. The model also comes with a built-in bloom setting that helps eliminate CO2 that is trapped in the wrong place and could result in bitter tasting cups of coffee.

This machine is perfect for those who are looking for a machine that has a small footprint. The Aroma Elegance may be slightly taller and wider than the Moccamaster but can still fit into a corner due to its angled design. It's easy to operate using just one hand, and features an easily-read selection button layout. The tank of water can be easily removed making it easy to refill.

Another great feature is that the machine can be programmed to brew at a specific time. This will save time and effort as it allows you to wake up to a fresh hot, warm filter. The Aroma Elegance comes with a range of other features to make your brewing experience more enjoyable. These include 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 papers in their filters. This is evident in their packaging and products, which are 100 recycled to a hundred percent.