Filter Coffee Makers
In a sea of expensive barista-style coffee machines, filter coffee makers are the reliable, simple traditional method of brewing. They are inexpensive and can be purchased on the high streets at around PS20.
These coffee makers for filtering typically have normal functions including an alarm clock that wakes you up with a cup of coffee at the right moment. They heat water to the perfect brewing temperature for filter coffee.
1. Chemex
Since its creation by Peter Schlumbohm, in 1941 the sleek and fashionable glass Chemex has become a favorite for coffee drinkers. The flask's hourglass-shaped shape is similar to an Erlenmeyer flask, which is likely the reason for the name (or perhaps Fleming was inspired by it when writing From Russia With Love). It's been a cult 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 makers such as the V60 dripper or Melitta is an brewing method that is manual, which involves pouring hot water slowly over pre-soaked ground in a controlled manner to ensure a uniform extraction. The key to a successful Chemex brew is to make sure that your grinds are medium coarse and that you use the right type of filter. In contrast to the paper filters that are thin and found in many filter coffee machines, Chemex uses thicker 'lab-grade filters that take out more coffee oils and fines that can cause your brew to have a bitter taste.
Once the Chemex is full, just need to remove the filter and your beverage is ready to drink. Allow your brew to 'bloom,' or absorb the water for 30 seconds, before pouring. This will help the ground expand and absorb the water so that the brew is not drained too much.
The only drawback to a Chemex coffee maker is that it takes more time to brew a cup of coffee than other filter coffee makers and requires a bit of expertise to get the most effective results. It also doesn't lend itself to making a lot of cups in one go like an electric filter coffee machine which is why it's better for smaller batches and for those who appreciate the art and art of manual brewing.
2. Moccamaster
While it may not have all the bells and whistles of modern gadgets, the Moccamaster is still a reliable workhorse that is sure to never be outdated.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 prevents bitterness.
The fact that the Moccamaster is able to keep the water at an optimal temperature throughout the entire brew process means it's also extremely energy efficient. Additionally, its design permits it to be disassembled and washed, so the components will remain fresh and clean between uses.
When it comes to a good filter coffee, you'll want to make use of a medium-fine grinder, just like a Chemex or pour-over brewer--to make sure the grounds are evenly distributed and don't hinder flow of water. The Moccamaster also comes with a shower head that sprays the grounds to ensure an even extraction.
The Moccamaster is also a great product It's very easy to maintain. It's made of high-quality materials, such as stainless steel and BPA- and phthalate-free materials. 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 option for those who want to invest in a high-end 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! Coffee Hit has a full range of slow filters for coffee.
3. Wilfa
The Norwegian company Wilfa makes outstanding filter coffee makers that focus on simplicity, functionality and stunning design. Their products showcase Scandinavian minimalistism at its best. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker For instance, it has a cool, nerdy design that makes it stand out. It also oozes confidence thanks to a five-year guarantee which ensures the long-term durability of this premium filter coffee maker.
This brewer is easy to use. Simply fill it up with water, and you are able to begin the process of brewing. The brewer comes with a 1 litre removable 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 use fresh water for each batch of coffee, ensuring that your coffee is always good.
Coffeee UK has a simple but elegant design. It comes with many useful features, including a flow control wheel that you can manually adjust (close it for a few minutes to ensure an even stronger brew) as well as an overflow drain inside your filter holder as well as the reminder to clean your appliance, an automatic switch-off and a drip stopper manual to ensure that no spills fall onto the hotplate. The brewer quickly heats water to the desired temperature of 92-96degC.
This brewer will make 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 a stainless steel thermo jug for keeping the brewed coffee at the ideal drinking temperature. This is a great feature that sets it apart from other filter coffee makers which 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 appliance that is user-friendly. It features a stainless steel carafe with capacity of 1.3-liter capacity and is compatible with standard flat bottom basket filters (not the #4 cones that are recommended by Moccamaster and other SCAA-certified equipment).
The Bonavita has a simple and clean design. It also includes a built in filter holder that holds the filters during brewing. This makes it easier to avoid any mess that may occur during the process of brewing. The machine has a showerhead that distributes water evenly over the grounds. This helps in the extraction of flavors.
The Bonavita's ability to regulate water temperature precisely is a further reason why it's 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 internal temperature was 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the brewing process, just changing by a few degrees.
The Bonavita, like other programmable coffee makers can be programmed to begin at a specific time and set a specific brew period. It is also able to be set to a certain size of brew and temperature. This feature lets you only brew one cup at any given time, which can be helpful for busy families.
The Bonavita does not have a pre-infusion function, which can improve flavor by allowing more coffee grounds to be saturated with water. It can also be difficult to determine the exact amount of ground coffee required because different coffees have varying densities. The most precise method to measure the amount of grounds is to weigh them on an scale, rather than using the use of a teaspoon.
5. Melitta
This machine is from the brand that invented the filter coffee. It comes with a range of features that will enhance your brewing. The filter holder has an anti-drip stop to prevent spills when removing the jug. It also has a handy keep-warm function, so you can take pleasure in your freshly prepared coffee for up to 40 minutes after the brew is complete.
The jug and filter basket are made of high-quality borosilicate glass. The jug and the filter basket are easily cleaned by hand or by using the dishwasher. The epour has a handy LED limescale indicator, so you can determine when you need to descale. The model also has a built in bloom setting which helps to release CO2 that has been trapped and unintentionally released. This could result in a bitter tasting cup of coffee.
If you're looking for a device with an extremely small 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 to its angle design. It has a simple layout of the buttons and can be easily operated with one hand. The tank of water is easily removed and makes it easy to fill it up.
Another advantage is that the machine can be programmed to brew at a certain time. This allows you to awake with fresh hot filter coffee, and can save you both time and energy. The Aroma Elegance comes with a range of other functions to make your coffee brewing experience more enjoyable, such as programmable water hardness, auto descaling, and 3 keep-warm settings. Melitta is also an eco-friendly company that uses sustainably sourced materials and chlorine-free paper for their filters. This is evident in their packaging and products, which are 100 100% recyclable.