Filter Coffee Makers
In a sea of expensive barista-style coffee machines, filter coffee makers are the reliable, simple original method of brewing. They're affordable to purchase and can be found on the high street at around PS20.
These filter coffee makers typically come with normal functions, such as the ability to wake you up with a cup of coffee at the right time. They make sure that the water is heated to the perfect brewing temperature for filter-coffee.
1. Chemex
The sleek, elegant glass Chemex coffee maker has been a popular choice for coffee enthusiasts since it was first invented by Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. The hourglass shaped flask is similar to an Erlenmeyer flask, which is likely where the odd name comes from (or maybe Fleming was inspired by it when writing From Russia With Love). It's been a coffee brand for its sleek aesthetics and crystal clear filter coffees.
This filter coffee maker similar to other pour-over coffee makers such as the V60 dripper or Melitta is a manual brewing technique where hot water is poured slowly over 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. Chemex makes use of more robust filters that are 'lab grade,' as opposed to the thin paper filters found in many filter machines. These filters are able to remove more coffee oils and fines which can make your brew taste unpleasant. taste.
Once the Chemex is full, just need to remove the filter and the beer is ready for drinking. Let your brew 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 over-extracted.
The downside to 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 for the best results. It's not as good in making large batches of coffee as an electronic filter machine. Therefore, it's best for those who prefer manual brewing and smaller batches.
2. Moccamaster
The Moccamaster might not come with the bells and whistles that more modern devices do, but it is still an efficient machine that will never lose its appeal. Its brewing method heats water just above boiling temperature which is ideal for filter coffee because it helps prevent bitterness.
It's energy efficient since the Moccamaster can keep the water at an ideal temperature throughout the making process. Its design makes it simple to take apart and clean, to ensure that the components remain clean and fresh in between usages.
If you are looking to make a good cup, use a medium-fine grinding. This is similar to a Chemex brewer or pour-over. This will ensure that the grounds are evenly distributed and don't block water flow. The Moccamaster comes with a showerhead that sprays grounds evenly to ensure extraction.
Another great feature of the Moccamaster is that it's very easy to maintain. It's made of high-end 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 great choice for those who are in search of a premium 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 an emphasis on simplicity, functionality and great design. Their products are the epitomize of Scandinavian minimalism. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker is a prime example It is a striking style that makes this auto maker stand out from the crowd. It also oozes confidence with a 5 year guarantee warranty that ensures the durability of this premium filter coffee maker.
This brewer is simple to use. Simply fill it up with water, and you can start the process of brewing. The brewer comes with a 1 litre water tank that can be easily cleaned. Its pump technology ensures that the entire system drains every time you brew it, unlike other coffee makers with filter technology that leave water in the system affecting subsequent brews. This allows you to use new water for every batch of coffee, making sure that your coffee will always taste good.
With the Classic Plus, you'll find an elegant and simple design that has a variety of useful features including a flow control knob that can be manually operated (close it for a time to make an even stronger beverage) and an overflow drain inside the filter holder, a light that reminds you to descale your appliance, an automatic shut-off and an automatic drip stopper to stop spills from the hotplate. The brewer quickly heats water to the desired temperature of 92 to 96 degrees Celsius.
This brewer can produce between one and 10 cups of filter coffee, each cup is approximately 250ml and takes around three to four minutes to make. The maker comes with the stainless steel thermo jug to help in keeping the coffee brewed at the right temperature for drinking. This is a great feature and an important selling point over other filter coffee makers that keep the coffee warm on a hotplate.
4. Bonavita
Get the most out of your coffee with this top-rated auto drip brewer. The Bonavita Connoisseur has a minimalist design and is simple to operate. It features a stainless steel carafe with a 1.3-liter capacity and is compatible with standard flat bottom basket filters (not the cones in #4 that are recommended by Moccamaster and other SCAA-certified equipment).
The design of the Bonavita is simple and clean, and it includes an integrated filter holder to keep the filters in place while brewing. This makes it easier to avoid mess during the brewing process. The machine is equipped with showerheads that distribute water evenly over the grounds. This helps in the extraction of flavors.
The precise control of the temperature of the water is another reason why the Bonavita is an excellent filter coffee maker. The thermocouple readings from the brew basket showed that the water was at the perfect temperature in just a few minutes. The average internal temperature remained at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the rest of the brewing process, just changing a few degrees either way.
The Bonavita as with other coffee makers that are programmable, can be programmed to begin at a particular time and set an exact brew time. It can also be adjusted to a particular size of brew and temperature. This feature makes it possible to make just one cup at a go, which is useful for busy families.
One drawback of the Bonavita is that it doesn't have the pre-infusion feature, which enhances flavor by allowing more of the coffee to be soaked with water. It can be difficult to accurately determine the amount of grounds of coffee needed, since different coffees have a distinct density. The most accurate method to measure the amount of grounds is to weigh them using a scale rather than using the use of a teaspoon.
5. Melitta
From the company that invented filter coffee comes this machine with a number of features to enhance your drinking experience. The filter holder features a drip-stop to prevent spills while removing the jug. The coffee can be kept warm for up to forty minutes after making.
The jug and filter basket are made of premium borosilicate glass. They are easy to clean either by hand or in the dishwasher. The epour comes with a handy LED limescale indicator so that you can determine when you need to descale. This model has a built-in bloom setting that helps to release CO2 trapped in the system, which can cause a bitter tasting cup.
This machine is ideal for those seeking a machine with an extremely small footprint. The Aroma Elegance might be slightly larger and taller than the Moccamaster but can still fit in a corner because of its angle design. It is easy to use with its simple layout of the buttons and can be easily operated by one hand. The tank for water is easily removed and makes it easy to fill it up.
Another great feature is that the machine can be programmed to brew coffee at a particular time. This allows you to wake up with fresh hot filter coffee, and can save you time and energy. Aroma Elegance comes with additional features that will improve your brewing experience with features like programmable water softness, auto-descaling, and three settings to keep warm. Coffeee UK is also an eco-friendly product made from sustainably-sourced materials and chlorine-free paper for their filters. This is evident by their packaging and products that are 100% recyclable.