Nydia Flanigan

Filter Coffee Makers

In a sea filled with expensive barista-style coffee machines, filter coffee makers are the dependable, simple traditional method of brewing. They are inexpensive and can be bought at the market for around PS20.

These filter coffee makers have many functions including a timer to make you feel refreshed with a cup of coffee at the right time. They heat the water to the ideal temperature for brewing filter coffee.

1. Chemex

The sleek, stylish glass Chemex coffee maker has been a favorite for coffee drinkers since its invention by Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. The flask's hourglass shape is similar to an Erlenmeyer flask which is where the name came from (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 stylish aesthetic and crystal clear filter coffees that are easy see through.

This filter coffee maker like other pour-over coffee makers such as the V60 dripper or Melitta is manual brewing method which involves pouring hot water slowly over the pre-soaked ground in a controlled way to ensure a consistent extraction. The key to a successful Chemex brew is to ensure that your grinds are medium fine and that you use the right type of filter. Unlike thin paper filters found in many filter coffee machines, Chemex uses thicker 'lab-grade' filters which remove more coffee fines and oils that can give your brew a bitter taste.

The beer will be ready for drink when the Chemex has been filled. Allow your brew to 'bloom or absorb the water for 30 seconds, before pouring. This will allow the ground expand and absorb the water so that the brew is not drained too much.

The only drawback of a Chemex coffee maker is that it takes longer to brew a cup coffee than other flavoured filter coffee coffee makers and requires a bit of experience to get the most effective results. It also doesn't lend itself to making a large number of cups at a time like the electric filter coffee machine and is therefore better suited for smaller batches and for those who are interested in the art and technique of manual brewing.

2. Moccamaster

While it may not come with all the bells and whistles of modern devices however, the Moccamaster is still a reliable workhorse that will likely never be outdated. The brewing method it uses will heat water to a point that is just above boiling temperature, which is perfect for filter coffee because it helps prevent bitterness.

It's energy efficient because the Moccamaster can keep the water at an optimal temperature for the entire making process. Its design makes it simple to disassemble and wash, so that the components can remain clean and fresh in between uses.

If you are looking to make a good cup, you should use a medium-fine grinding. This is similar to a Chemex pour-over or brewer. 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 even extraction.

Another great feature of the Moccamaster is that it's very easy to maintain. It's made from high-quality materials, including 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 choice for those who are looking for 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! Coffee Hit has a full range of slow coffee filters.

3. Wilfa

The Norwegian company Wilfa produces excellent filter coffee machines that have a a focus of simplicity, efficiency and stunning design. Their products are the epitome of Scandinavian minimalistic 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 exudes confidence, with a 5-year warranty that ensures its longevity.

The design of this brewer makes it easy to set up, fill it with water and start brewing. This brewer comes with an 1 litre water tank that is easily cleaned. Its pump technology ensures that the entire system is empty with each brew unlike other filter coffee makers that leave water in the system affecting subsequent brews. This lets you use fresh water for each new batch of coffee ensuring your coffee will always taste great.

The Classic Plus has a simple but elegant design. It has a variety of useful features, like a flow control wheel that can be adjusted manually (close it for a short time to ensure a stronger beverage), an overflow drain in the filter holder and a reminder to descale your appliance, an automatic switch-off and a best drip coffee machine stopper manual that will ensure that no spills fall onto the hotplate. This brewer heats the water quickly to a suitable temperature of 92-96 degrees Celsius for optimal extraction.

This brewer will make between one and 10 cups of filter-coffee each cup is approximately 250ml, and takes about three to four minutes to brew. The brewer comes with the thermo jug, which is made of stainless steel to ensure that the coffee is at the ideal temperature for drinking. This is a great feature that sets it apart from other filter coffee machine with timer coffee makers that only keep the coffee warm.

4. Bonavita

This top-rated auto drip coffee brewer can help you maximize the potential of your coffee. The Bonavita Connoisseur is a sleek and minimalist appliance that is easy to use. It has a stainless steel carafe which holds 1.3 liters and can be used to best filter coffee machine uk coffee using standard flat bottom baskets (not the cones suggested by Moccamaster or other SCAA-certified machines).

The design of the Bonavita is clean and simple and includes an integrated filter holder that keeps the filters in place during brewing. This prevents messes during the brewing process. The machine is equipped with showerheads that distribute water evenly across the grounds. This allows for better extraction of flavors.

The Bonavita's ability to regulate the temperature of the water is another reason it is a great filter coffee maker. Thermocouple readings from the brew basket confirmed that the water reached the perfect temperature in just a few minutes. The average internal temperature remained at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the brewing process, just changing only a few degrees.

Like other filter coffee makers that can be programmed like the Bonavita can be programmed to switch on at a certain time and set to a particular brew time. It is also able to be set to a certain brew size and temperature. This makes it possible to make just one cup at a time which is great for busy families.

The Bonavita does not come with a pre-infusion function, which can improve flavor by allowing more coffee grounds to be soaked with water. It can also be difficult to determine accurately the amount of grounds of coffee needed as different coffees are of varying density. The most accurate method to determine the amount of grounds is to weigh them using a scale rather than using a teaspoon.

5. Melitta

This machine is from the brand that invented the filter coffee filter. It has a number features to improve your brewing. There's a drip stop built into the filter holder, which will prevent spills when removing the jug. The coffee can be kept warm for up to forty minutes after the brewing.

The jug and filter basket are made of high-quality borosilicate glass. The jug and filter basket can be cleaned easily by hand or in the dishwasher. The epour also comes with an LED limescale indicator that lets you know when it's time to descale. The model also has a built-in bloom setting that helps 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 with tiny footprint, this is it. The Aroma Elegance is only a little wider and taller than the Moccamaster however, it can still fit in a corner due its angle design. It is easy to use with its simple layout of the buttons and can be easily operated by one hand. The water tank can be easily removed, making it easier to fill.

Another benefit is that the machine can be programmed to brew at a certain time. This lets you wake up with fresh hot filter coffee that can save you both time and energy. The Aroma Elegance comes with a range of other features that make your coffee brewing experience more enjoyable. These include the ability to program water hardness, automatic descaling, and three keep warm settings. Melitta is also an eco-friendly product made from sustainably-sourced materials and chlorine-free papers in their filters. This is reflected in their packaging and products which are also 100% recyclable.