Filter Coffee Makers
In a sea of costly barista-esque coffee machines filter coffee makers are the reliable, simple original method of brewing. They are affordable and can be purchased on the high street for about PS20.
These filter coffee makers have various functions including a timer to get you up with the perfect cup of coffee at the right time. They heat water to the perfect temperature to brew filter coffee.
1. Chemex
The sleek, elegant glass Chemex coffee maker has been a favourite amongst coffee drinkers since it was first invented by Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. The flask's hourglass-shaped shape is reminiscent of an Erlenmeyer flask which is the source of the name (or maybe Fleming was influenced by it when writing From Russia With Love). It's become a symbol in the specialty coffee scene for its stylish aesthetic 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 a manual brewing technique where hot water is poured slowly over the ground that has been soaked in a controlled way to ensure a uniform extraction. The most important thing to ensure a great Chemex brew is to make sure that your grinds are medium coarse and that you utilize the right type of filter. Unlike thin paper filters found in many filter coffee machines, Chemex uses thicker 'lab-grade filters that remove more of the coffee fines and oils that can give your brew a bitter taste.
After the Chemex is full, simply lift out the filter and your brew is ready to drink. Let the brew 'bloom,' or absorb the water for 30 seconds, before pouring. i loved this will help the ground expand and absorb the water to ensure that the brew does not drained too much.
The only downside of a Chemex coffee maker is that it takes a bit longer to make a cup of coffee than other filter coffee makers, and requires know-how to achieve the best results. It also doesn't lend itself as well to making a lot of cups at a time like the electric filter coffee machine, so it's more suitable for smaller batches, and for those who appreciate the art and science of manual brewing.
2. Moccamaster
While it may not have all the bells and whistles of modern gadgets however, the Moccamaster is still a reliable workhorse that is sure to never lose its appeal. The brewing method it uses heats water just above the boiling point, which is perfect for filter coffee as it reduces bitterness.
It's energy efficient because the Moccamaster can keep the water at an ideal temperature throughout the process of brewing. Its design makes it easy to disassemble and wash, so that the components can remain fresh and clean between use.
If you're looking to make a quality cup, use a medium-fine ground. This is similar to the Chemex pour-over or brewer. This will ensure that the grounds are evenly dispersed and don't impede water flow. The Moccamaster includes a showerhead that sprays grounds evenly, ensuring that the coffee is extracted.
Another excellent feature of the Moccamaster is that it's very easy to maintain. It is made from high-quality materials like 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 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! For a comprehensive selection of slow-coffee filters, be sure to check out my friends at Coffee Hit.
3. Wilfa
The Norwegian company Wilfa produces outstanding filter coffee makers that focus on functionality, simplicity and great design. Their products display Scandinavian minimalistism at its best. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker is one such example It is a striking nerdy look that makes this auto maker stand out from the crowd. This premium filter coffee maker has a sense of security and comes with a 5-year guarantee which guarantees its durability.
This brewer is simple to use. Simply fill it with water, and you can begin the process of brewing. This brewer comes with an 1 litre water tank that can be easily cleaned. The pump technology ensures that the entire system is emptied with each brew. This is in contrast to other coffee makers that leave water behind and alter the subsequent brews. This enables you to use fresh water for each new batch of coffee ensuring your coffee will always taste good.
With the Classic Plus, you'll find an elegant and simple design with many useful features including a manual flow control wheel (close it for a time to make an even stronger beverage) as well as an overflow drain in the filter holder, a light that reminds you to clean the appliance, automatic switch off and an automatic drip stopper to stop spills from the hotplate. The brewer quickly heats water to the desired temperature of 92-96degC.
This brewer can make between one to 10 cups of filter coffee. Each cup is generously 250ml in volume and takes about three to four minutes. The brewer includes a thermo jug made of stainless steel to keep the coffee at the ideal drinking temperature. This is a fantastic feature that sets it apart from 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's user-friendly. It comes with a stainless steel carafe with capacity of 1.3-liter capacity and is compatible with standard flat bottom filters (not the cones with #4 that are recommended by Moccamaster and other SCAA-certified equipment).
The Bonavita is a simple and elegant design. It also comes with an integrated filter holder, which holds the filters during the brewing. This prevents mess during the brewing process. The machine comes with a showerhead that distributes water evenly over the grounds. This helps in the extraction of flavors.
The precise control of water temperature is another reason why the Bonavita is an excellent filter coffee maker. Thermocouple measurements from the brew-basket confirmed that water reached the ideal temperature in just minutes. The average temperature of the brew basket remained at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the remaining brewing process and only fluctuated just a few degrees in either direction.
Like other programmable filter coffee makers, the Bonavita can be programmed to switch on at a particular time and set to a certain brew time. It can also be adjusted to a particular size of brew and temperature. This feature makes it possible to brew only one cup at a time which is ideal for busy families.
The Bonavita isn't equipped with a pre-infusion function that can enhance the flavor by allowing more coffee grounds to be soaked in water. It can be difficult to determine the exact amount of grounds of coffee needed because different coffees have a distinct density. The most accurate way to measure the amount of grounds is to weigh them on an scale, rather than using the use of a teaspoon.
5. Melitta
From the brand that invented filter coffee, is this machine that has a number of features to improve your coffee brewing experience. There's a drip stop built into the filter holder to prevent spills when removing the jug. It also has a handy keep-warm feature, so you can take pleasure in your freshly prepared coffee for up to 40 minutes after the brew has been completed.
The jug, the filter basket and lid are made of high-quality borosilicate crystals. They are easy to clean by hand or by using your dishwasher. The epour features an LED limescale indicator so that you will know when to descale. The model also has a built-in bloom setting, which allows you to eliminate CO2 that is trapped in the wrong place and could result in a bitter tasting cup of coffee.
This machine is ideal for those who are looking for a machine that has smaller footprint. The Aroma Elegance is slightly larger and wider than the Moccamaster however, it can still fit in a corner due to its angle of design. It has a easy to use selection button layout and can be easily operated using just one hand. The water tank can be easily removed, making it easy to refill.
The machine can also be programmed to brew coffee at a certain time. This will save time and effort as it allows you to awake to a clean warm filter. The Aroma Elegance comes with a range of other functions to make your brewing experience more enjoyable, such as adjustable water hardness, auto descaling, and three keep warm settings. Melitta makes use of chlorine-free paper and sustainably sourced materials in its filters. This is evident by their packaging and products that are 100 recycled to a hundred percent.