Filter Coffee Makers
Filter coffee makers are a basic and reliable alternative to expensive barista-style coffee makers. They are affordable and can be purchased at the market for about PS20.
These filter coffee makers usually come with normal functions, such as an alarm clock that wakes you up with a pot of coffee at just the right moment. They can heat water to a perfect temperature for brewing filter coffee.
1. Chemex
The sleek, elegant glass Chemex coffee maker has been a favourite for coffee lovers since it was first invented by Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. The flask's hourglass-shaped shape is similar to an Erlenmeyer flask which is probably where the name came from (or perhaps Fleming was influenced by it when writing From Russia With Love). It has become a cult coffee icon for its stylish aesthetics and crystal clear filter coffees.
This filter coffee maker, like other pour-over makers like the V60 dripper or Melitta is a manual brewing technique that involves pouring hot water slowly over the pre-soaked ground 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-fine and that you use the correct type of filter. Chemex uses thicker filters that are 'lab-grade rather than the paper filters that are thin and used in the majority of filter machines. These filters are able to remove more coffee oils and fines which can give your brew an unpleasant taste.
The beverage will be ready to drink once the Chemex is filled. Allow your brew to '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 a Chemex is that it will take longer than some other filter coffee makers to make your cup of coffee and requires a certain amount of expertise to get the best results. It's also not suited as well to making large quantities of cups at a time like the electric filter coffee machine, so it's more suitable for smaller batches and those who appreciate the art and science of manual making coffee.
2. Moccamaster
The Moccamaster may not have the bells and whistles that other modern machines do, but it is still a reliable machine that will never lose its appeal. Its brewing process heats the water to a point that is just above boiling which is perfect for filter coffee as it helps eliminate bitterness that can sometimes be associated with boiling coffee.
The fact that the Moccamaster is able to keep the water at an optimal temperature throughout the entire brew process makes it an energy-efficient device. Its design makes it easy to disassemble and wash, so that the components remain clean and fresh in between uses.
When it comes to making a good filter coffee cup, 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 block the flow of water. The Moccamaster has a showerhead which sprays grounds evenly to ensure that they are extracted.
Another benefit of the Moccamaster is that it's very easy to maintain. It's made from high-quality materials, like 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 choice for coffee lovers who want to purchase a top-quality 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 coffee filters.
3. Wilfa
The Norwegian company Wilfa makes outstanding filter coffee machines with an emphasis on simplicity, efficiency and stunning design. Their products show Scandinavian minimalism at its best. Best filter coffee machine , for example, is a quirky design that makes it stand out. It also oozes confidence thanks to a five-year guarantee that supports the longevity of this top-quality filter coffee maker.
The design of this brewer makes it simple to install, fill with water and start making. The brewer comes with a 1 litre water tank that is easily cleaned. The pump technology makes sure that the entire system empties with each brew unlike other coffee makers with filter technology that leave water in the system that affects subsequent brews. This enables you to make use of fresh water for each new batch of coffee ensuring your coffee will always taste good.
With the Classic Plus, you'll find an easy-to-use design that comes with a number of useful features including a manual flow control wheel (close it off for a while to get an even stronger brew) as well as an overflow drain in the filter holder, an indicator that reminds you to descale the appliance, an automatic shut-off and an automatic drip stopper to prevent spills on the hotplate. The brewer is able to heat water quickly to the desired temperature of 92 to 96 degrees Celsius.
The brewer can make between one and ten cups of filter coffee each cup is approximately 250ml and takes three to four minutes to brew. The maker comes with an stainless steel thermo jug for keeping the brewed coffee at the right temperature for drinking. This is a great feature and a major selling feature over other filter coffee makers that only keep the coffee warm on a hotplate.
4. Bonavita
Unlock your coffee's full potential with this top-rated auto drip brewer. The Bonavita Connoisseur has a minimalist design and is simple to operate. It has a stainless-steel carafe with an 1.3-liter capacity and can be used with standard flat bottom basket filters (not the cones in #4 that are recommended by Moccamaster and other SCAA-certified machines).
The design of the Bonavita is clean and simple, and it includes an integrated filter holder to keep the filters in place during brewing. This helps prevent 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 to consider the Bonavita an excellent filter coffee maker. Thermocouple readings from the brew basket showed that the water had reached the desired temperature within minutes. The average internal temperature remained at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the remaining time of the brewing process, only swinging just a few degrees either direction.
Like other programmable filter coffee makers like the Bonavita can be programmed to turn on at a certain time and set to a certain brew time. It is also able to be adjusted to a specific size of brew and temperature. This feature allows you to brew only one cup at a given time, which is helpful for busy families.
The Bonavita does not come with a pre-infusion function that can enhance the flavor by allowing more coffee grounds to be soaked with water. It can be difficult to accurately determine the amount of grounds of coffee needed because different coffees have a distinct density. It is recommended to weigh the coffee on a scale rather than using a tablespoon, since this is the most accurate way to measure it.
5. Melitta
From the brand that invented filter coffee comes this machine with a number of features to enhance your enjoyment of brewing. There's a drip stop built into the filter holder to avoid spills when removing the jug. It also has a handy keep-warm function, allowing you to enjoy freshly made coffee for up to 40 minutes after the brew has been complete.
The jug and filter basket are made from high-quality borosilicate glass. They are easy to clean by hand or by using your dishwasher. The epour features an easy-to-read LED limescale indicator, so you can determine when you need to descale. The model comes with an inbuilt bloom setting that helps to release CO2 trapped in the system, which can lead to a bitter tasting cup.
If you're looking for a device with tiny footprint, this is it. The Aroma Elegance is just slightly larger and wider than the Moccamaster It can still fit in a corner due to its angled design. It is easy to use with its simple layout of the buttons and is easily operated with one hand. The tank of water is easily removed, making it easy to refill.
Another benefit is that the machine can be programmed to brew at a specific time. This can help save time and effort as it allows you to wake up to a fresh hot, hot filter. Aroma Elegance also has other functions that will improve your brewing experience, such as programmable water softness, auto-descaling and 3 settings that keep warm. Melitta is also an eco-friendly brand, using sustainably sourced materials and chlorine-free paper for their filters. This is evident by their products and packaging which are 100 100% recyclable.