Filter Coffee Makers

Filter coffee makers are a straightforward reliable alternative to expensive barista style coffee machines. They're cheap to buy and can be found in the high streets for around PS20.

These filter coffee makers have a variety of functions including a timer to get you up with an espresso at the perfect time. They can heat the water to the right temperature for drip coffee brewer brewing filter coffee.

1. Chemex

Since its creation by Peter Schlumbohm, in 1941 the sleek and fashionable glass Chemex has been a favorite among coffee enthusiasts. The hourglass-shaped flask similar to an Erlenmeyer flask, which is likely where the odd name comes from (or perhaps Fleming got inspiration from it while writing From Russia With Love). It has become a cult coffee icon for its stylish aesthetics and crystal clear filter brews.

This filter coffee maker, like other pour-over makers like the V60 dripper or Melitta is manual brewing method where hot water is poured slowly over pre-soaked ground in a controlled manner to ensure a uniform extraction. To get the best Chemex brew, it is necessary to use medium-coarse grinds as well as the correct filter. Contrary to the thin paper filters used in many filter coffee machines, Chemex uses thicker 'lab-grade filters that take out more of the coffee fines and oils that can cause your brew to have a bitter taste.

The beer will be ready for drink once the Chemex is filled. It is a good idea to let the brew "bloom for 30 seconds prior to pouring, this allows the ground expand and absorb the water so that it's not over extracted.

The only drawback of the Chemex coffee maker is that it takes longer to brew a cup coffee than other filter coffee makers and requires some expertise to get the most effective results. It also doesn't lend itself as well to making a large number of cups in one go like an electric filter coffee machine, so it's more suitable for smaller batches, and for those who are interested in the art and science of manual making coffee.

2. Moccamaster

While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more modern machines, the Moccamaster is still a reliable machine that is sure to never lose its appeal. Its brewing process heats water to a point that is just above boiling which is ideal for filter dripping coffee machine since it eliminates bitterness that can sometimes be associated with boiled coffee.

The fact that the Moccamaster can keep the water at a perfect temperature throughout the entire brewing process means it's also an energy-efficient device. Its design makes it easy to disassemble and wash, so that the components can remain clean and fresh in between use.

If you want to make a good filter coffee cup it is recommended 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 also comes with a shower head that sprays the grounds to ensure an even extraction.

The Moccamaster has a further advantage: it is very easy to maintain. It's made of high-end materials, including 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 those who are in search of an excellent 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 makes excellent filter coffee machines that have a the focus on simplicity, functionality and great design. Their products showcase Scandinavian minimalistism at its finest. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker is one such example, it has an intriguing nerdy look that makes this automatic maker stand out from the crowd. This premium filter coffee maker also exudes confidence and comes with a 5-year guarantee that guarantees its durability.

This brewer is simple to use. Simply fill it with water, and you are able to start the process of brewing. This brewer has one liter of water tank that is easily cleaned. The pump technology makes sure that the entire system empties every time you brew it unlike other filter coffee makers that leave water in the system that affects subsequent brews. This lets you use new water for every batch of coffee, ensuring that your coffee always tastes good.

With the Classic Plus, you'll find a simple yet smart design that comes with a number of useful features like a manual flow control wheel (close it off for a few minutes to enjoy an even stronger drink), overflow drain in the filter holder, a light that reminds you to descale the appliance, an automatic shut-off and a manual drip stopper to prevent spills on the hotplate. This brewer heats the water quickly to a desired temperature of 92 to 96 degrees Celsius for the best extraction.

This brewer will make between one and ten cups of filter drip coffee maker coffee Each cup is 250ml and takes around three to four minutes to brew. The maker comes with a stainless steel thermo jug for keeping the brewed coffee at the ideal drinking temperature. This is a fantastic feature and a big selling point over other filter coffee makers that keep the coffee warm on a hotplate.

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 that holds 1.3 liters and can be used to filter coffee using standard flat bottom baskets (not the cones recommended by Moccamaster or other SCAA-certified machines).

The design of the Bonavita is clean and simple and includes an inbuilt filter holder to keep the filters in place during brewing. This prevents mess during the brewing process. The machine also has shower heads that ensure an even distribution of water across the grounds, which results in a greater extraction of flavors and aromas.

The Bonavita's ability of controlling the temperature of water precisely is another reason it is an excellent filter coffee maker. The thermocouple readings of the brew basket proved that the water had reached 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, only fluctuating a few degrees either way.

The Bonavita, like other coffee makers that are programmable can be programmed to begin at a particular time and to set an exact brew time. It can also be set to a certain temperature and brew size. This feature allows you to make only one cup at a time, which is helpful for busy families.

The Bonavita isn't equipped with a pre-infusion function, which can improve flavor by permitting more ground coffee to be soaked with water. It can be difficult to determine accurately the amount of grounds of coffee needed as different coffees are of varying density. It is recommended to weigh the grounds using a scale instead of using a tablespoon, since this is the most precise method to measure it.

5. Melitta

From the company that invented filter coffee, comes this machine with several features that improve your coffee brewing experience. The filter holder features an anti-drip coffee machine stop to prevent spills when removing the jug. The coffee can be kept warm for up to 40 minutes after the brewing.

The jug, filter basket and lid are made of high-quality borosilicate crystals. The jug and the filter basket can be cleaned by hand or by using the dishwasher. The epour comes with a practical LED limescale indicator, so you can tell when it's time to descale. This model has an inbuilt bloom setting that allows you to release CO2 trapped in the system, which can cause a bitter tasting cup.

This machine is perfect for those who are looking for a machine that has an extremely small footprint. The Aroma Elegance is slightly taller and wider than the Moccamaster however, it can still fit in a corner thanks to its angle of design. It is easy to operate with just one hand, and features an easily-read design of the selection buttons. The tank for water is easily removed, making it easy to fill.

The machine can also be programmed to make coffee at a specific time. This lets you awake with fresh hot filter coffee, and can save you both time and energy. Aroma Elegance also has other features that will make your brewing experience better by allowing you to program water softness, auto-descaling, and 3 keep warm settings. Melitta uses chlorine-free paper and sustainably sourced materials in its filters. This is reflected in their packaging and products, which are also 100% recyclable.