Filter Coffee Makers
In a sea filled with expensive barista-esque coffee machines filter coffee makers are the dependable, simple original method of making coffee. They are affordable and can be bought on the high street for about PS20.
These coffee makers for filtering typically come with normal functions, such as a timer to wake you up with a pot of coffee at just the right moment. They can heat the water to the right 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 drinkers. The flask's shape is reminiscent of an Erlenmeyer flask, which is likely the source of the name (or maybe Fleming was influenced by it when he wrote From Russia With Love). It's been an icon in the specialty coffee scene because of its elegant design and crystal clear filter brews that are easy to see through.
This filter coffee maker, like other pour-over coffee makers like the V60 dripper or Melitta is manual brewing method that involves pouring hot water slowly over the ground that has been soaked in a controlled way to ensure a uniform extraction. To make the best Chemex brew, you need to use medium-coarse grinds as well as the right filter. Contrary to the thin paper filters used in most filter coffee machines, Chemex uses thicker 'lab-grade filters that take out more coffee fines and oils that can cause your brew to have a bitter taste.
The beer will be ready for drink after 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 it to ensure that the brew is not over-extracted.
The downside of Chemex is that Chemex is that it will take longer than some other filter coffee makers to brew your coffee. It also requires a certain amount of expertise to get the best results. It's not as adept at making large quantities of coffee as an electric filter machine. So it's better for those who prefer the manual method of brewing and smaller batches.
2. Moccamaster
While it may not come with all the bells and whistles that are found in more modern gadgets but the Moccamaster is still a reliable workhorse that is likely to never lose its appeal. The brewing process heats water to just above the boiling point which is ideal for filter coffee since it prevents the bitterness that is sometimes caused by boiling coffee.
It's energy-efficient because the Moccamaster can keep the water at an optimal temperature for the entire making process. Its design makes it easy to clean and disassemble so that the components remain fresh and clean between use.
If you want to make a good filter coffee it is recommended to use a medium-fine grind--just like a Chemex or pour-over brewer to make sure the grounds are evenly dispersed and don't block flow of water. The Moccamaster also comes with a shower head that sprays the grounds to ensure a consistent extraction.
Another benefit of the Moccamaster is that it's easy to maintain. It is constructed from top-quality materials such as 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 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! Coffee Hit has a full range of slow coffee filters.
3. Wilfa
The Norwegian company Wilfa produces top-quality filter coffee makers that focus on functionality, simplicity and stunning design. Their products show Scandinavian minimalistism at its finest. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker is a prime example It has an interesting style that makes this automatic maker stand out from the rest. This premium filter coffee maker is a sign of confidence and comes with a 5-year guarantee which guarantees its durability.
The design of this brewer makes it easy to set up, fill it with water and begin brewing. This brewer features an 1 litre water tank that is easy to clean. The pump technology makes sure that the entire system drains every time you brew it, unlike other filter coffee makers that leave water in the system, affecting subsequent brews. This lets you make use of fresh water for each new batch of coffee, making sure that your coffee will always taste great.
With the Classic Plus, you'll find an easy-to-use design with many useful features like a flow control knob that can be manually operated (close it off for a time to make a stronger brew) and an overflow drain inside the filter holder, an indicator that reminds you to clean the appliance, an automatic shut-off and a drip stopper that can be manually operated to stop spills on the hotplate. This brewer heats the water quickly to a suitable temperature of 92-96 degrees Celsius for optimal extraction.
This brewer is capable of making between one to 10 cups of filter coffee. Each cup is 250ml and takes three to four minutes. The brewer includes an insulated thermo jug made from stainless steel to ensure that the coffee is at the ideal drinking temperature. This is an excellent feature that helps it stand against other 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 is a sleek and minimalist appliance 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 standard flat bottom baskets (not the cones #4 recommended by Moccamaster or other SCAA-certified machines).
The Bonavita has a simple and elegant design. It also has an inbuilt filter holder that holds the filters while the brewing process. This makes it easier to avoid mess during the brewing process. The machine has showerheads that spread water evenly over the ground. This allows for better extraction of flavors.
The Bonavita's ability of controlling water temperature precisely is another reason it is a great filter coffee maker. The thermocouple readings from the brew basket confirmed that the water was at the desired temperature within minutes. The average internal temperature was 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the brewing process, with only changing by a few degrees.
The Bonavita is, like other coffee makers that are programmable, can be programmed to start at a specific time and to establish an exact brew time. It can also be adjusted to a specific brew size and temperature. This feature allows you to only brew one cup at a time, which is useful for busy families.
One downside to the Bonavita is that it doesn't have a pre-infusion function that enhances flavor by allowing more of the coffee to become saturated with water. Furthermore, it is difficult to accurately determine the amount of grounds needed due to the fact that different coffees have varying densities. It is best to weigh the grounds on an instrument instead of using a tablespoon, as this is the most precise way to measure it.
5. Melitta
From the brand that invented filter coffee, is this machine that has a number of features to improve your coffee drinking experience. There's a drip stop in the filter holder to avoid spills when you remove the jug. There's also a handy keep-warm function, allowing you to take pleasure in your freshly made coffee for up to 40 minutes after the brew is complete.
The jug and basket are made of premium borosilicate glass. They are easy to clean either by hand or in your dishwasher. The epour features an easy-to-read LED limescale indicator, so you can determine when you need to descale. This model has an inbuilt bloom setting that helps to release CO2 trapped in the system, which can lead to a bitter tasting cup.
This machine is perfect for those who are seeking a machine with smaller footprint. The Aroma Elegance is slightly larger and taller than the Moccamaster but can still fit in a corner because of its angled design. It's simple to operate with only one hand and has an easily-read selection button layout. The water tank is easily removable, making it easier to fill.
The machine can also be programmed to brew coffee at a certain time. Coffeee lets you wake up with fresh hot filter coffee that can save you time and energy. Aroma Elegance comes with additional features that will improve your brewing experience, such as programmable water softness, auto-descaling and three settings to keep warm. Melitta is also an eco-friendly company made from sustainably-sourced materials and chlorine-free paper for their filters. This is reflected by their products and packaging which are 100% recyclable.