Filter Coffee Makers
Filter coffee makers are a simple reliable alternative to expensive barista-style coffee makers. They're inexpensive to purchase and can be found on the high street for about PS20.
These filter coffee makers come with many functions including a timer to make you feel refreshed with the perfect cup of coffee at the perfect time. They make sure that the water is heated to the right temperature for brewing filter coffee.
1. Chemex
The sleek, elegant glass Chemex coffee maker has been a popular choice for coffee enthusiasts since it was invented by Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. The flask's hourglass shape is reminiscent of an Erlenmeyer flask which is probably the source of the name (or perhaps Fleming was inspired by it when writing From Russia With Love). It has become a cult coffee icon due to its elegant design and crystal clear filter coffees.
This filter coffee maker, like other pour-over makers like the V60 dripper or Melitta is an brewing method that is manual, that involves pouring hot water slowly over the ground that has been soaked in a controlled manner to ensure a uniform extraction. The key to a good Chemex brew is to ensure 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 which remove more of the coffee oils and fines that can give your brew a bitter taste.
After the Chemex is full, you just need to remove the filter and your beverage is ready to drink. Let your brew bloom or absorb the water for 30 seconds, before pouring. This will help the ground expand and absorb the water to ensure that the brew does not drained too much.
The only drawback to a Chemex coffee maker is that it takes longer to brew a cup of coffee than other filter coffee makers and requires a bit of expertise to get the best results. It also doesn't lend itself to making a lot of cups at a time like the electric filter coffee machine which is why it's better for smaller batches and those who enjoy the art and art of manual making coffee.
2. Moccamaster
Although it might not have all the bells and whistles of modern machines but the Moccamaster is still a reliable machine that is likely to never lose its appeal. Its brewing process heats the water to just above the boiling point, which is perfect for filter coffee since it helps eliminate bitterness that can sometimes be associated with boiling coffee.
The fact that the Moccamaster can keep the water at a perfect temperature throughout the entire brew process, makes it an energy-efficient device. Plus, its design allows it to be easily disassembled and washed, so the components can be kept clean and fresh between use.
When it comes to a good filter coffee cup it is recommended to make use of a medium-fine grind, similar to a Chemex or pour-over brewer, to ensure that the grounds are evenly distributed and don't hinder flow of water. The Moccamaster comes with a showerhead that sprays grounds evenly to ensure that they are extracted.
The Moccamaster has a further advantage It is also very simple to maintain. It is made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel, as well as 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 filter coffee lovers who are looking 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 filters for coffee.
3. Wilfa
The Norwegian company Wilfa creates amazing filter coffee machines with a a focus of simplicity, function and great design. Their products are the epitome of Scandinavian minimalist design. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker For instance, it has a nerdy appearance that makes it stand out. This premium filter coffee maker also is a sign of confidence with a five-year guarantee which guarantees its durability.
The design of this brewer makes it simple to set up, fill it with water and then begin brewing. This brewer comes with an 1 litre water tank that is easily cleaned. The pump technology makes sure that the entire system is emptied with every brew. This is different from other filter coffee machines that leave water behind, which can alter the subsequent brews. This allows you to use new water for every batch of coffee, making sure that your coffee always tastes 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 brew) and an overflow drain inside the filter holder, a light that reminds you to descale your appliance, automatic switch off and a manual 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.
This brewer is capable of making between one to 10 cups of filter coffee. Each cup is generously 250ml in size and takes three to four minutes. The brewer comes with an stainless steel thermo jug for keeping the coffee brewed 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
This best-rated auto drip coffee brewer will allow you to maximize the potential of your coffee. The Bonavita Connoisseur has a minimalist design and is simple to operate. 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 #4 cones recommended by Moccamaster or other SCAA-certified machines).
The design of the Bonavita is simple and clean and includes an inbuilt filter holder to keep the filters in place while the brewing process. This prevents messes during the brewing process. The machine also features a shower head that ensures even distribution of water over the grounds, which results in a greater extraction of aromas and flavors.
Its tight control over 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 perfect temperature within minutes. The average internal temperature stayed at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit for the remaining brewing process, only swinging just a few degrees either direction.
The Bonavita is, like other coffee makers that can be programmed, can be programmed to start at a particular time and to set a specific brew period. It can also be set to a certain size of brew and temperature. This feature allows you to make only one cup at a time, which is beneficial for families with a busy schedule.
One disadvantage of the Bonavita is that it does not have a pre-infusion function, which enhances the flavor by allowing more of the ground coffee to become saturated with water. It can be difficult to accurately determine the amount of grounds of coffee needed, since the different coffees have different density. The most accurate way to measure the amount of grounds is to weigh them on a scale instead of using the use of a teaspoon.
5. Melitta
From the brand that invented filter coffee, comes this machine with several features that enhance your enjoyment of brewing. The filter holder has a drip-stopper to avoid spills when removing the jug. The coffee can be kept warm for upto forty minutes after making.
The jug, filter basket and lid are constructed of high-quality borosilicate crystals. The jug and filter basket are easily cleaned by hand or by using the dishwasher. The epour also comes with a practical LED limescale indicator, so you know when it's time to descale. The model also has a built-in bloom setting that helps release CO2 that has been trapped and unintentionally released. This could lead to a bitter tasting cup of coffee.
If Coffeee UK looking for a machine that has tiny footprint, this is the one. The Aroma Elegance may be a little taller and wider than the Moccamaster however it still fits in a corner due to its angled design. It is easy to operate with just one hand, and features an easily-read layout of the buttons. The water tank can be easily removed making it easy to fill.
The machine can be programmed to brew coffee at a certain time. This will save time and effort by allowing you to awake to a clean hot, hot filter. The Aroma Elegance comes with a range of other functions to make your brewing experience more enjoyable, including adjustable water hardness, auto descaling, and three keep warm settings. Melitta uses 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.