Filter Coffee Makers
In a sea of expensive barista-style coffee machines, filter coffee makers are the reliable, simplistic traditional method of brewing. They're cheap to buy and can be found on the high street for around PS20.
These coffee makers for filtering typically come with normal functions, such as the ability to wake you up with a pot of coffee at just the right time. They make sure that the water is heated to the ideal temperature for brewing filter coffee.
1. Chemex
Since its creation by Peter Schlumbohm, in 1941, the sleek and stylish glass Chemex has been a popular choice among coffee drinkers. The flask's shape is similar to an Erlenmeyer flask, which is likely the reason for the name (or maybe Fleming was inspired by it when he wrote From Russia With Love). It's been an icon in the specialty coffee scene for its sleek design and crystal clear filter coffees that are easy to 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, where hot water is poured slowly over the pre-soaked ground in a controlled manner to ensure a consistent extraction. The most important thing to ensure a great Chemex brew is to ensure that your grinds are medium coarse and that you use the correct filter. Unlike thin paper filters found in many 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.
The beer will be ready for drink once the Chemex is filled. Let the brew 'bloom or absorb the water for 30 seconds before pouring. This will allow the ground expand and absorb the water to ensure that the brew is not over-extracted.
The only drawback of a Chemex coffee maker is that it takes longer to make a cup of coffee than other filter coffee makers and requires a bit of know-how to achieve the most effective results. It's not as efficient at 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 might not come with the bells and whistles more modern devices do, but it is still an efficient machine that will never go out-of-style. Its brewing process heats water to just above boiling point, which is ideal for filter coffee because it prevents the bitterness that can sometimes be associated with boiling coffee.
The fact that the Moccamaster is able to keep the water at an ideal temperature throughout the entire brew process, makes it a very energy-efficient device. In addition, its design permits it to be easily disassembled and washed, so the components are fresh and clean between uses.
If you want 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 dispersed and don't block water flow. The Moccamaster also comes with shower heads that spray the grounds to ensure an even extraction.
The Moccamaster is also a great product It's very easy to maintain. It's 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 fantastic choice for those who are seeking 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 filters, check out my friends at Coffee Hit.
3. Coffeee UK produces top-quality filter coffee makers that emphasis on functionality, simplicity and great design. Their products show Scandinavian minimalism at its best. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker is a prime example. It has a nerdy appearance that makes it stand out. It also oozes confidence with 5-year guarantee that ensures the durability of this top-quality filter coffee maker.
This brewer is simple to use. Simply fill it with water and then start making. This brewer has one liter of water tank that can be easily cleaned. The pump technology in the brewer ensures that the entire system is empty with each brew, unlike other coffee makers with filter technology that leave water in the system affecting subsequent brews. This lets you use new water for every batch of coffee, making sure that your coffee is always good.
The Classic Plus has a simple but elegant design. It is equipped with a number of useful features, such as a flow control knob that can be manually adjusted (close it for a short time to get more strength in your beverage) as well as an overflow drain in the filter holder, the reminder to clean your appliance, an automatic shut-off, and a drip stopper manual that will prevent spills onto the hotplate. This brewer warms the water quickly to a desired temperature of 92-96 degrees Celsius for optimal extraction.
This brewer can produce between one and ten cups of filter coffee Each cup is approximately 250ml and takes around three to four minutes to brew. The maker comes with a stainless steel thermo jug that is designed for keeping the coffee at the ideal drinking temperature. This is a fantastic feature that makes it stand out from other coffee makers that 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 easy 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 #4 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 while the brewing process. This helps to prevent any mess that may occur during the process of brewing. The machine also has shower heads that guarantee an even distribution of water across the grounds, resulting in a better extraction of aromas and flavors.
Its tight control over the temperature of the water is another reason why the Bonavita is an excellent filter coffee maker. Thermocouple measurements from the brew-basket confirmed that the water reached the ideal temperature in just minutes. The average internal temperature stayed at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the remaining time of the brewing process, only swinging just a few degrees in either direction.
Like other programmable filter coffee makers like the Bonavita can be programmed to turn on at a specific time and set to a particular time for brewing. It can be set to a particular temperature and size of brew. This feature lets you make only one cup at a time, which is useful for busy families.
One downside to the Bonavita is that it does not have the pre-infusion feature, which helps improve flavor by encouraging more of the ground coffee to absorb water. It is also difficult to accurately determine the amount of grounds of coffee needed, since different coffees are of varying density. The most accurate way to determine the amount of grounds is to weigh them using a scale rather than using the use of a teaspoon.
5. Melitta
From the company which invented filter coffee is this machine that has several features that improve your coffee brewing experience. The filter holder has a drip-stopper to avoid spills when removing the jug. There's also a handy keep warm feature, 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 either by hand or by using your dishwasher. The epour has an easy-to-read LED limescale indicator, so you can know when to descale. The model also has a built in bloom setting, which allows you to release CO2 that has been trapped and unintentionally released. This could lead to a bitter tasting cup of coffee.
If you're looking for a machine that has a small footprint, this is it. The Aroma Elegance is just slightly larger and wider than the Moccamaster however, it can still be placed in a corner due to its angle design. It is simple to operate with only one hand, and features clearly laid out layout of the buttons. The tank for water can be easily removed making it easy to refill.
The machine can be programmed to make coffee at a specific time. This can save both time and effort by allowing you to wake up to a fresh warm filter. The Aroma Elegance has a variety of other functions to make your brewing experience more enjoyable, including adjustable water hardness, auto descaling, and 3 keep-warm settings. Melitta utilizes chlorine-free paper and sustainably sourced materials in its filters. This is evident in their products and packaging that are 100% recyclable.