Filter Coffee Makers
In a sea of costly barista-like coffee machines, filter coffee makers are the reliable, simple traditional method of brewing. They're inexpensive to purchase and are available on the high street for around PS20.
These filter coffee makers typically come with normal functions, such as the ability to wake you up with a pot of coffee at the right time. They heat the water to the ideal temperature for brewing filter coffee.
1. Chemex
The sleek, elegant glass Chemex coffee maker has been a favorite for coffee drinkers since it was first invented by Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. The flask's shape is reminiscent of an Erlenmeyer flask which is the source of the name (or perhaps Fleming was inspired by it when writing From Russia With Love). It's been a cult in the world of specialty coffee because of its elegant design and crystal clear filter brews 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 a manual brewing technique that involves pouring hot water slowly over pre-soaked ground 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 utilize the correct filter. Chemex utilizes more robust filters that are 'lab grade in comparison to the thin paper filters found in many filter machines. These filters eliminate more coffee oils and fines which can cause your brew to have a bad taste.
The brew will be ready to drink when the Chemex has been filled. A good tip is to let the brew "bloom' for 30 seconds before pouring. This allows the ground expand and absorb the water so that it's not over extracted.
The downside of Chemex is that 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 also doesn't lend itself as well to making a lot of cups at once like the electric filter coffee machine and is therefore better suited for smaller batches and those who enjoy the art and technique of manual making coffee.
2. Moccamaster
The Moccamaster may not have the bells and whistles that more modern devices have, but it's still a reliable machine that will never go out-of-style. Its brewing process heats the water to just above boiling point which is ideal for filter coffee since it helps eliminate bitterness that is often associated with boiling coffee.
The fact that the Moccamaster can keep the water at a perfect temperature throughout the entire brew process, makes it extremely energy efficient. Its design makes it easy to clean and disassemble so that the components can remain fresh and clean between use.
When it comes to a good filter coffee it is recommended to make use of a medium-fine grind, similar to a Chemex or pour-over brewer to make sure the grounds are evenly distributed and don't block the flow of water. The Moccamaster has a showerhead which sprays grounds evenly to ensure that they are extracted.
Another excellent feature of the Moccamaster is that it's easy to maintain. It's constructed of top-quality materials, like stainless steel and BPAand 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 invest in a premium 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! For a full range 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 with a focus on simplicity, functionality and great design. Their products are the epitomize of Scandinavian minimalist design. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker is one of them, it has an intriguing nerdy look that makes this automatic brewer stand out from the rest. It also exudes confidence with a a 5 year guarantee warranty which ensures the long-term durability of this top-quality filter coffee maker.
The design of this brewer makes it simple to set up, fill with water and start making. This brewer has an 1 litre water tank that is easy to clean. The pump technology makes sure that the entire system is emptied with every brew. This is unlike other coffee makers that leave water behind and impact subsequent brews. This allows you to make use of fresh water for each new batch of coffee ensuring your coffee will always taste great.
With the Classic Plus, you'll find a simple yet smart design with many useful features like a manual flow control wheel (close it for a while to get more strength in your beverage) and an overflow drain inside the filter holder, an indicator that reminds you to clean the appliance, an automatic switch off and a manual drip stopper to stop spills on the hotplate. This brewer heats water quickly to the desired temperature of 92-96degC.
This brewer can produce between one and 10 cups of filter-coffee, each cup is approximately 250ml and takes three to four minutes to prepare. The maker comes with an stainless steel thermo jug that is designed for keeping the coffee at the right temperature for drinking. best drip coffee machine is a great feature that makes it stand apart from other coffee makers that only keep the coffee warm.
4. Bonavita
Get the most out of your coffee with this top-rated auto drip brewer. The Bonavita Connoisseur is a sleek and minimalist device that is easy to use. It has a stainless steel carafe that can hold 1.3 Liters and can be used to filter coffee using flat bottom baskets (not the #4 cones suggested by Moccamaster or other SCAA-certified machines).
The Bonavita has a simple and clean design. It also comes with an integrated filter holder, which holds the filters while the brewing process. This makes it easier to avoid mess during the brewing process. The machine also features a shower head that ensures uniform distribution of water over the grounds, resulting in better extraction of flavors and aromas.
The Bonavita's ability to control water temperature precisely is another reason it is an excellent 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 remainder of the brewing cycle, only swinging just a few degrees either direction.
The Bonavita is, like other coffee makers that are programmable can be programmed to start at a specific time and to establish a specific brew period. It is also able to be set to a certain brew size and temperature. This feature allows you to brew just one cup at a time which is great for busy families.
One downside to the Bonavita is that it doesn't have a pre-infusion function that helps improve flavor by encouraging more of the coffee to become saturated with water. Additionally, it can be difficult to accurately measure the amount of grounds required due to the fact that different coffees have different densities. The most precise method to measure the amount of grounds is to weigh them using a scale rather than using the use of a teaspoon.
5. Melitta
This machine is from the company that invented the filter coffee filter. It comes with a variety of features to improve the brewing process. The filter holder features a drip-stopper to avoid spills while removing the jug. There's also a handy keep warm function, so you can enjoy freshly brewed coffee for up to 40 minutes after the brew is completed.
The jug and filter basket are made of high-quality borosilicate glass. The jug and basket can be cleaned easily by hand or in the dishwasher. The epour comes with a handy LED limescale indicator, so you will know when to descale. The model also comes with a built in bloom setting, which allows you to release unwanted trapped CO2 that could result in bitter tasting cups of coffee.
This machine is perfect for those who are looking for a machine with a small footprint. The Aroma Elegance is just slightly larger and wider than the Moccamaster It can still be placed in a corner due to its angle of design. It is easy to use with its simple layout of the buttons and is easily operated by one hand. The tank for water is easily removed, making it easier to fill it up.
The machine can also be programmed to make coffee at a specific time. This allows you to get up to fresh, hot filter coffee and can save you time and energy. The Aroma Elegance comes with a range of other features to make your brewing experience more enjoyable, including adjustable water hardness, auto descaling, and three keep-warm settings. Melitta is also an eco-friendly brand that uses sustainably sourced materials and chlorine-free papers in their filters. This is evident in their packaging and products, which are 100% recyclable.