Filter Coffee Makers
Filter coffee makers are a straightforward reliable alternative to expensive barista-style coffee machines. They are affordable and can be purchased on the high street for about PS20.
These filter coffee makers typically include normal functions like a timer to wake you up with a pot of coffee at the right moment. They heat water to the perfect temperature to brew filter coffee.
1. Chemex
Since its creation by Peter Schlumbohm, in 1941 the sleek and fashionable glass Chemex has been a favorite for coffee enthusiasts. The hourglass shaped flask is similar to an Erlenmeyer flask which is probably the source of the name that it takes from (or maybe Fleming got inspiration from it while writing From Russia With Love). It's been an icon in the specialty coffee scene for its stylish aesthetic and crystal clear filter coffees that are easy to see through.
This filter coffee maker, like other pour-over makers like the V60 dripper or Melitta is a manual brewing technique which involves pouring hot water slowly over the ground that has been soaked in a controlled manner to ensure a consistent extraction. The most important thing to ensure a great Chemex brew is to make sure that your grinds are medium-fine and that you use the right type of filter. In contrast to the paper filters that are thin and found in most filter coffee machines, Chemex uses thicker 'lab-grade filters that take out more of the coffee fines and oils that can cause your brew to have a bitter taste.
Once the Chemex is full, you just need to remove the filter and the beer is ready for drinking. Let your brew 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 only drawback to the Chemex coffee maker is that it takes longer to brew a cup of coffee than other filter coffee makers and requires some experience to get the most effective 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 manual brewing and smaller batches.
2. Moccamaster
While it may not come with all the bells and whistles that are found in more modern devices but the Moccamaster is still a reliable and reliable device that is sure to never be outdated. The brewing method it uses is to heat water just above boiling temperature which is perfect for filter coffee because it prevents bitterness.
The fact that the Moccamaster can keep the water at an optimal temperature throughout the entire brew process means it's also a very energy-efficient device. Additionally, its design permits it to be disassembled and washed, so the components will remain clean and fresh between use.
When it comes to a good filter coffee cup, you'll want to make use of a medium-fine grind, similar to a Chemex or pour-over brewer to ensure that the grounds are evenly distributed and don't block the water flow. The Moccamaster also includes a shower head that sprays the grounds to ensure a consistent extraction.
Another great feature of the Moccamaster is that it's easy to maintain. It's made of high-end materials, including stainless steel, as well as 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 fantastic option for those who are looking for a premium 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 the focus on simplicity, efficiency and stunning design. Their products are the epitome of Scandinavian minimalist design. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker is a prime example. It is a quirky design that makes it stand out. This premium filter coffee maker also has a sense of security and comes with a 5-year guarantee that guarantees its durability.
This brewer is easy to use. Simply fill hop over to this site up with water, and you can start the process of brewing. This brewer features an 1 litre water tank that is easy to clean. The pump technology makes sure that the entire system is cleaned after each brew. This is unlike other filter coffee machines that leave water behind and alter the subsequent brews. This enables you to make use of fresh water for each new batch of coffee, ensuring that your coffee will always taste good.
With the Classic Plus, you'll find an elegant and simple design with many useful features like the manual flow control wheel (close it for a while to get a stronger beverage) as well as an overflow drain in the filter holder, an indicator that reminds you to descale your appliance, an automatic switch off and a manual drip stopper to stop spills from the hotplate. The brewer is able to heat water quickly 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 three to four minutes to make. The maker comes with an stainless steel thermo jug that is designed for keeping the brewed coffee at the perfect temperature for drinking. This is a great feature that sets it apart from other filter coffee makers that only keep the coffee warm.
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 operate. It comes with a stainless steel carafe with a 1.3-liter capacity and can be used with standard flat bottom filters (not the cones with #4 that are recommended by Moccamaster and other SCAA-certified equipment).
The Bonavita is simple and clean design. It also includes an integrated filter holder, which is used to hold the filters while brewing. This helps prevent mess during the brewing process. The machine is equipped with a showerhead that distributes water evenly over the ground. This allows for better extraction of flavors.
The Bonavita's ability to control the temperature of the water is another reason why it's an excellent filter coffee maker. Thermocouple readings from the brew basket proved that the water was at the perfect temperature in just a few minutes. The average internal temperature remained at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit for the remainder of the brewing cycle, only swinging just a few degrees either direction.
The Bonavita as with other programmable coffee makers, can be programmed to begin at a specific time and to establish an exact brew time. It is also able to be adjusted to a specific brew size and temperature. This feature makes it possible to brew only one cup at a time which is great for busy families.
The Bonavita isn't equipped with the option of pre-infusion, which can improve flavor by allowing more ground coffee to be saturated with water. It is also difficult to determine the exact amount of coffee grounds required because different coffees have a distinct density. The most accurate way to determine the amount of grounds is to weigh them on an scale, rather than using the equivalent of a teaspoon.
5. Melitta
From the company which invented filter coffee comes this machine with a number of features to improve your coffee enjoyment of brewing. The filter holder has a drip-stop to prevent spills while removing the jug. The coffee can be kept warm for upto forty minutes after brewing.
The jug, filter basket and lid are made from high-quality borosilicate glasses. They are easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher. The epour features an easy-to-read LED limescale indicator so that you can know when to descale. This model comes with an inbuilt bloom setting that helps to release CO2 trapped in the system, which can result in an bitter tasting cup.
This machine is ideal for those looking for a machine that has an extremely small footprint. The Aroma Elegance is slightly taller and wider than the Moccamaster however it still fits into a corner due to its an angled design. It's simple to operate with only one hand and comes with an easily-read design of the selection buttons. The tank for water is easily removed, making it easier to fill.
Another benefit is that the machine can be programmed to brew coffee at a particular time. This can help save time and effort by allowing you to get up to a new hot filter. Aroma Elegance also comes with other features that can enhance your coffee brewing experience, such as programmable water softness, auto-descaling, and three settings to keep warm. Melitta utilizes chlorine-free papers and sustainably sourced materials in its filters. This is reflected in their packaging and products which are also 100% recyclable.