Filter Coffee Makers
In a sea of costly barista-like coffee machines, filter coffee makers are the dependable, simple original method of making coffee. They're affordable to purchase and are available on the high street for about PS20.
These filter coffee makers usually have normal functions including the ability to wake you up with a pot of coffee at the right moment. They can heat water to a perfect brewing temperature for filter coffee.
1. Chemex
Since its creation by Peter Schlumbohm, in 1941 the sleek and fashionable glass Chemex has been a popular choice among coffee lovers. The flask's hourglass-shaped shape is similar to an Erlenmeyer flask which is probably the source of the name (or perhaps Fleming was inspired by it when he wrote From Russia With Love). It has become a cult coffee icon due to its elegant aesthetics and crystal clear filter brews.
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 way to ensure a consistent extraction. To get the best Chemex brew, it is necessary to use medium-coarse grinds and the correct filter. Unlike thin paper filters found in the majority of filter coffee machines, Chemex uses thicker 'lab-grade filters that remove more of the coffee fines and oils that could cause your brew to have a bitter taste.
Once the Chemex is full, simply lift out the filter and the beverage is ready to drink. A good tip is to let your brew "bloom for 30 seconds prior to pouring, this allows the ground to expand and absorb the water so that it's not over extracted.
The only downside of a Chemex coffee maker is that it takes more time to brew a cup coffee than other filter coffee makers, and requires expertise to get the best results. It's not as good in making large batches of coffee like an electronic filter machine. It's therefore better suited for those who prefer small batches and manual brewing.
2. Moccamaster
The Moccamaster may not have the bells and whistles that other modern machines do, but it is still a reliable machine that will never go out-of-style. Its brewing method will heat water to a point that is just above boiling temperature, which is perfect for filter coffee because it prevents bitterness.
It's energy efficient since the Moccamaster can keep the water at an optimal temperature throughout the making process. Additionally, its design permits it to be taken apart and cleaned, ensuring that the components are fresh and clean between uses.
If you're looking to make a great cup, you should use a medium-fine grind. This is the same as a Chemex brewer or pour-over. This will ensure that 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.
Another excellent feature of the Moccamaster is that it's very easy to maintain. It's made of high-end 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.
Coffeee UK is an excellent option for those who are in search of 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! For a comprehensive selection of slow-coffee filters, be sure to check out my friends at Coffee Hit.
3. Wilfa
The Norwegian company Wilfa produces outstanding filter coffee makers that focus on functionality, simplicity and stunning design. Their products are a perfect example of Scandinavian minimalist design. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker is a prime example. It has a cool, nerdy 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 install, fill with water and then begin brewing. This brewer features one litre of water that is removable tank that is easy to clean. The pump technology ensures the entire system is emptied with every brew. This is different from other coffee makers that leave water behind, which can alter the subsequent brews. This lets you use fresh water for each new batch of coffee, ensuring that your coffee will always taste great.
The Classic Plus has a simple and elegant design. It is equipped with a number of useful features, including a flow control knob that can be manually adjusted (close it for a few minutes to make an even stronger beverage) as well as an overflow drain inside your filter holder as well as a reminder to descale your appliance, an automatic shut-off and a drip stopper manual that will ensure that no spills fall onto the hotplate. The brewer heats water quickly to a desirable temperature of 92 to 96 degrees Celsius for the best extraction.
This brewer can produce between one and 10 cups of filter-coffee Each cup is 250ml and takes three to four minutes to prepare. The brewer comes with an stainless steel thermo jug for keeping the coffee at the right temperature for drinking. This is an excellent feature that makes it stand apart from other filter coffee makers that only keep the coffee warm.
4. Bonavita
This top-rated auto drip coffee maker can help you make the most of your coffee. The Bonavita Connoisseur has a minimalist design and is easy to use. It has a stainless steel carafe that holds 1.3 liters and can be used to filter coffee using flat bottom baskets (not the #4 cones recommended by Moccamaster or other SCAA-certified machines).
The design of the Bonavita is simple and clean, and it includes an inbuilt filter holder to keep the filters in place while the brewing process. This helps to prevent mess during the brewing process. The machine also features a shower head that ensures an even distribution of water across the grounds, which results in better extraction of aromas and flavors.
The Bonavita's ability to regulate water temperature precisely is another reason why it's an excellent filter coffee maker. The thermocouple readings of the brew basket proved that the water reached the perfect temperature in just a few minutes. The average internal temperature remained at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit for the remaining time of the brewing process and only fluctuated just a few degrees either direction.
The Bonavita is, like other coffee makers that are programmable, can be programmed to begin at a specific time and set the brew duration. It is also able to be set to a certain size of brew and temperature. This feature allows you to make only one cup at any given time, which can be useful for busy families.
The Bonavita does not come with a pre-infusion function that can enhance flavor by allowing more ground coffee to be saturated with water. It can also be difficult to determine the exact amount of grounds of coffee needed, since different coffees have a distinct density. The most precise method to measure the amount of grounds is to weigh them on a scale rather than using the use of a teaspoon.
5. Melitta
From the brand that invented filter coffee, is this machine that has many features to improve your coffee brewing experience. There's a drip stop on the filter holder, which will prevent spills when you remove the jug. It also has a handy keep-warm feature, so you can take pleasure in your freshly prepared coffee for up to 40 minutes after the brew is completed.
The jug and filter basket are made of premium borosilicate glass. The jug and the filter basket can be cleaned by hand or by using the dishwasher. The epour comes with an LED limescale indicator so you can determine when you need to descale. The model also has a built-in bloom setting that helps release CO2 that has been trapped and unintentionally released. This could result in a bitter tasting cup of coffee.
This machine is ideal for those looking for a machine with a small footprint. The Aroma Elegance might be a little taller and wider than the Moccamaster however it still fits into a corner due to its angle design. It has a simple layout of the buttons and can be operated using just one hand. The tank of water can be easily removed and makes it easy to fill it up.
Another great feature is that the machine can be programmed to brew at a specific time. This allows you to awake with fresh, hot filter coffee and will save you time and energy. Aroma Elegance also has other features that can enhance your coffee brewing experience, such as programmable water softness, auto-descaling, and 3 keep warm settings. Melitta uses chlorine-free paper and sustainably-sourced materials in its filters. This is evident in their packaging and products which are 100 100% recyclable.