Filter Coffee Makers
Filter coffee makers are a basic, reliable alternative to the expensive barista-style coffee makers. They are affordable and can be bought on the high street for about PS20.
These filter coffee makers typically come with normal functions, such as an alarm clock that wakes you up with a cup of coffee at the right time. They heat the water 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 for coffee lovers. The flask's hourglass shape is similar to an Erlenmeyer flask which is where the name came from (or perhaps Fleming was inspired by it when writing From Russia With Love). It's been a coffee icon for its stylish design and crystal clear filter brews.
Like other pour over coffee makers such as the V60 dripper and Melitta filter coffee maker is a manual brewing technique that involves pouring hot water over pre-soaked grounds in a steady and controlled manner that allows for an even extraction of flavour. The most important thing to ensure a great Chemex brew is to ensure that your grinds are medium-fine and that you use the correct type of filter. Chemex uses more robust filters that are 'lab grade in comparison to the thin paper filters used in most filter machines. These filters remove more coffee oils and fines that can give your brew an unpleasant taste.
The beverage will be ready to drink when the Chemex is filled. It is a good idea to let your brew 'bloom' for 30 seconds before pouring, this helps the ground expand and absorb the water to ensure that it isn't over extracted.
The downside to Chemex Chemex is that it may take longer than some other filter coffee makers to brew your coffee. It also requires a certain amount of experience to achieve the best results. It's not as good in making large batches of coffee like an electronic filter machine. So it's better for those who prefer manual brewing and smaller batches.
2. Moccamaster
While it may not have all the bells and whistles that are found in more modern gadgets however, the Moccamaster is still a reliable and reliable device that is likely to never be outdated. The brewing method it uses heats water just above the boiling point, which is ideal for filter coffee as it prevents bitterness.
The fact that the Moccamaster is able to keep the water at an ideal temperature throughout the entire brew process means it's also a very energy-efficient device. Plus, its design allows it to be easily disassembled and washed, so the components are clean and fresh between uses.
If you want to make a great cup, you should use a medium-fine grinding. This is the same as a Chemex pour-over or brewer. This will ensure that the grounds are evenly distributed and don't block water flow. The Moccamaster has a showerhead which sprays grounds evenly to ensure extraction.
Another excellent feature of the Moccamaster is that it's very easy to maintain. It's made from high-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 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! For a complete range of slow-coffee filtering, check out my friends at Coffee Hit.
3. Wilfa
The Norwegian company Wilfa produces top-quality filter coffee makers with a focus on simplicity, functionality and a stunning design. Their products are the epitomize of Scandinavian minimalistic design. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker is one such example, 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 that supports the longevity of this premium filter coffee maker.
The design of this brewer makes it simple to install, fill with water and begin the brewing process. 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 filter coffee machines that leave water behind and affect subsequent brews. This allows you to use new water for every batch of coffee, ensuring that your coffee will always taste good.
The Classic Plus has a simple and elegant design. It comes with many useful features, such as the flow control wheel, which can be manually adjusted (close it for a few minutes to make a stronger drink) and an overflow drain within the filter holder as well as a reminder to descale your appliance, an automatic shut-off, and the drip stopper manual to prevent spills onto the hotplate. This brewer heats water quickly to the desired temperature of 92 to 96 degrees Celsius.
This brewer is capable of making between one to 10 cups of filter coffee. Each cup is 250ml in size and takes between three and four minutes. The brewer comes with an stainless steel thermo jug for keeping the coffee at the right temperature for drinking. This is an excellent feature that sets it out from other coffee makers that only keep the coffee warm.
4. Bonavita
This top-rated auto drip coffee brewer will allow you to make the most of your coffee. The Bonavita Connoisseur is a sleek and minimalist appliance that's 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 design of the Bonavita is simple and clean, and it includes an inbuilt filter holder that holds the filters in place during brewing. This prevents any mess that may occur during the process of brewing. The machine also features shower heads that guarantee uniform distribution of water over the grounds, which results in a better extraction of aromas and flavors.
The Bonavita's ability of controlling the temperature of water precisely is another reason why it's an excellent filter coffee maker. Thermocouple measurements from the brew-basket confirmed that the water was at the ideal temperature in just minutes. The average internal temperature remained at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the brewing process, just changing only a few degrees.
Like other programmable filter coffee makers, the Bonavita can be programmed to turn on at a specific time and set to a particular brew time. It can also be set to a certain temperature and size of brew. This feature makes it possible to brew only one cup at a go, which is useful for busy families.
The Bonavita does not have the option of pre-infusion that can enhance flavor by allowing more ground coffee to be saturated with water. It can also be difficult to determine accurately the amount of coffee grounds required because the different coffees have different density. The most accurate method to measure the amount grounds is to weigh them on a scale rather than using the equivalent of a teaspoon.
5. Melitta
This machine is part of the company that invented the filter coffee filter. It comes with a variety of features to enhance the brewing process. There's a drip stop built into the filter holder to prevent spills when removing the jug. The coffee can be kept warm for up to forty minutes after the brewing.
The jug, the filter basket and lid are made from high-quality borosilicate crystals. They are easy to clean by hand or in your dishwasher. The epour comes with a practical LED limescale indicator that lets you'll know when it's time to descale. This model has an inbuilt bloom setting that assists in helping to let out CO2 that has been trapped, which can result in an bitter tasting cup.
This machine is ideal for those who are looking for a machine that has an extremely small footprint. The Aroma Elegance may be a little taller and wider than the Moccamaster but it can still fit into a corner due to its angled design. It is simple to operate with only one hand, and features an easily-read design of the selection buttons. best drip coffee machine of water is easily removed, making it easy to refill.
The machine can be programmed to brew coffee at a certain time. This can help save time and effort as it allows you to wake up to a fresh hot, hot filter. Aroma Elegance comes with additional functions that will improve your brewing experience, such as programmable water softness, auto-descaling and 3 settings that keep warm. Melitta utilizes chlorine-free paper and sustainably-sourced materials in its filters. This is evident in their products and packaging which are 100% recyclable.