Filter Coffee Makers
Filter coffee makers are a basic reliable alternative to expensive barista-style coffee makers. They're cheap to buy and are available in the high streets for about PS20.
These coffee makers for filtering typically have normal functions including an alarm clock that wakes you up with a pot of coffee at the right time. They make sure that the water is heated to the ideal brewing temperature for filter-coffee.
1. Chemex
Since its invention by Peter Schlumbohm, in 1941, the sleek and stylish glass Chemex has become a favorite for coffee lovers. The flask's hourglass-shaped shape is similar to an Erlenmeyer flask which is the reason for the name (or perhaps Fleming was influenced by it when writing From Russia With Love). It has been a specialty coffee icon due to its elegant aesthetics and crystal clear filter coffees.
This filter coffee maker like other pour-over coffee makers such as the V60 dripper or Melitta is manual brewing method which involves pouring hot water slowly over pre-soaked ground in a controlled way to ensure an even 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 filter. Unlike thin paper filters found in the majority of filter coffee machines, Chemex uses thicker 'lab-grade' filters which remove more coffee oils and fines that can cause your brew to have a bitter taste.
When the Chemex is full, you simply lift out the filter and your beverage is ready to drink. A good tip is 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 more time to brew a cup of coffee than other filter coffee makers and requires a bit of know-how to achieve the best results. It also doesn't lend itself as well to making large quantities of cups at a time like an electric filter coffee machine, so it's more suitable for smaller batches and for those who appreciate the art and technique of manual brewing.
2. Moccamaster
The Moccamaster may not have the bells and whistles other modern machines do, but it's still an efficient machine that will never lose its appeal. Its brewing process heats water to just above the boiling point, which is perfect for filter coffee as it prevents the bitterness that is sometimes associated with boiling coffee.
It's energy-efficient because the Moccamaster can keep the water at an ideal temperature throughout the process of brewing. Its design makes it simple to disassemble and wash, so that the components can remain fresh and clean between usages.
When it comes to a good filter coffee cup, you'll want to make use of a medium-fine grind, similar to 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 extraction.
Another great feature of the Moccamaster is that it's easy to maintain. It's made of high-end 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 fantastic option for those who are seeking a top-quality 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 produces outstanding filter coffee makers with a focus on functionality, simplicity and a stunning design. Their products are the epitome of Scandinavian minimalist design. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker, for example, has a cool, nerdy design that makes it stand out. This premium filter coffee maker has a sense of security, with a 5-year warranty which guarantees its durability.
The design of this brewer makes it simple to install, fill with water and begin the brewing process. This brewer features an 1 litre water tank that is easy to clean. The pump technology makes sure that the entire system is cleaned after every brew. This is unlike other coffee makers that leave water behind and affect subsequent brews. This allows you to use fresh water for every new batch of coffee ensuring your coffee will always taste good.
The Classic Plus has a simple and elegant design. It has a variety of useful features, including a flow control knob that can be manually adjusted (close it for a few minutes to make an even stronger brew) and an overflow drain within your filter holder as well as the reminder to clean your appliance, an automatic shut-off, and a drip stopper manual that will ensure that no spills fall onto 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 10 cups of filter coffee, each cup is approximately 250ml, and takes about three to four minutes to make. The brewer comes with the stainless steel thermo jug to help in keeping the brewed coffee at the right temperature for drinking. This is an excellent feature and a major selling feature over other filter coffee makers that keep the coffee warm on a hotplate.
4. Bonavita
This best-rated auto drip coffee brewer will help you make the most of your coffee. The Bonavita Connoisseur is a sleek and minimalist device that is easy to use. It comes with a stainless steel carafe that holds 1.3 liters and can be used to filter coffee using flat bottom baskets (not the cones #4 recommended by Moccamaster or other SCAA-certified machines).
The design of the Bonavita is simple and clean, and it includes an inbuilt filter holder to keep the filters in place while brewing. This prevents mess during the brewing process. The machine is equipped with showerheads that distribute water evenly over the grounds. This allows for better extraction of flavors.
The Bonavita's ability of controlling the temperature of the water is another reason why it's an excellent filter coffee maker. The thermocouple readings of the brew basket confirmed that the water was at the ideal temperature within 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 programmable coffee makers, can be programmed to begin at a particular time and to set the brew duration. It can also be set to a particular temperature and size of brew. This feature allows you to brew only one cup at a given time, which can be useful for busy families.
One drawback of the Bonavita is that it lacks the pre-infusion feature, which enhances the flavor by allowing more of the coffee to be soaked with water. It can also be difficult to accurately determine the amount of coffee grounds needed as different coffees have a distinct density. It's best to weigh the grounds on an instrument instead of using a tablespoon, as this is the most precise method to measure it.
5. Melitta
This machine is made by the brand that invented the filter coffee. It comes with a range of features that will enhance the brewing process. There's a drip stop built into the filter holder to prevent spills when you remove the jug. It also has a handy keep-warm feature, so you can enjoy freshly prepared coffee for up to 40 minutes after the brew is complete.
The jug, filter basket and lid are made from high-quality borosilicate crystals. The jug and filter basket are easily cleaned by hand or in the dishwasher. The epour comes with an LED limescale indicator, so you'll know when it's time to descale. This model also has a built in bloom setting that helps release CO2 that has been trapped and unintentionally released. best filter coffee machine uk can result in bitter tasting cups of coffee.
If you're looking for a machine with a small footprint, this is the one. The Aroma Elegance is slightly larger and taller than the Moccamaster but can still fit in a corner due to its angle design. It features a simple layout of the buttons and is easily operated using just one hand. The water tank is easily removed, making it easy to fill.
Another advantage is that the machine can be programmed to brew coffee at a particular time. This lets you awake with fresh hot filter coffee, and will save you time and energy. The Aroma Elegance comes with a number of other features to make your coffee brewing experience more enjoyable, including programmable water hardness, auto descaling, and 3 keep-warm settings. Melitta utilizes chlorine-free paper and sustainably-sourced materials in its filters. This is reflected in their packaging and products, which are 100 100% recyclable.