Filter Coffee Makers
Filter coffee makers are a simple reliable alternative to expensive barista style coffee machines. They are affordable and can be purchased on the high street for around PS20.
These filter coffee makers typically have normal functions including a timer to wake you up with a pot of coffee at just the right time. They can heat the water to the ideal temperature for brewing filter coffee.
1. Chemex
Since its creation by Peter Schlumbohm, in 1941 the sleek and fashionable glass Chemex has become a favorite for coffee lovers. The flask's shape is similar to an Erlenmeyer flask which is probably the reason for the name (or perhaps Fleming was inspired by it when writing From Russia With Love). It's been an icon in the specialty coffee scene for its sleek design and crystal clear filter brews that are easy to see through.
Similar to other pour over coffee makers, such as the V60 dripper as well as the Melitta filter coffee maker is a manual brewing technique where hot water is poured over pre-soaked grounds in a steady, controlled manner that allows for an even extraction of flavour. To make the best Chemex brew, you need to use medium-coarse grinds as well as the correct filter. Chemex makes use of more robust filters that are 'lab grade in comparison to the thin paper filters found in most filter machines. These filters remove more coffee oils and fines, which can cause your brew to have a bad taste.
Once the Chemex is full, you just need to remove the filter and the beverage is ready to drink. Allow your brew to 'bloom,' or absorb the water for 30 seconds before pouring. This will help the ground expand and absorb it to ensure that the brew does not over-extracted.
The only drawback of 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's not as efficient at making large batches of coffee like an electric filter machine. So it's better for those who prefer small batches and manual brewing.
2. Moccamaster
While it may not come with all the bells and whistles of more modern gadgets, the Moccamaster is still a reliable and reliable device that is sure to never be outdated. The brewing method it uses is to heat water just above boiling temperature, which is perfect for filter coffee because it helps prevent bitterness.
It's energy-efficient because the Moccamaster can keep the water at the optimal temperature throughout the process of brewing. Its design makes it simple to disassemble and wash, so that the components remain fresh and clean between uses.
If you want to make a good filter coffee, you'll want to use a medium-fine grind--just like a Chemex or pour-over brewer, to make sure the grounds are evenly dispersed and don't block flow of water. The Moccamaster also includes shower heads that spray the grounds to ensure a consistent extraction.
Another great feature of the Moccamaster is that it's 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 an excellent option for those who are seeking a premium 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 creates excellent filter coffee machines that have a an emphasis on simplicity, efficiency and stunning design. Their products display Scandinavian minimalistism at its finest. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker is a prime example. It has a cool, nerdy design that makes it stand out. It also oozes confidence thanks to a a 5 year guarantee warranty that ensures the durability of this premium filter coffee maker.
This brewer is simple to use. Simply fill it up with water, and you can begin making. This brewer has one liter of water tank that can be 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 and impact 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 an easy-to-use design that comes with a number of useful features including a manual flow control wheel (close it for a few minutes to enjoy a stronger beverage) as well as an overflow drain in the filter holder, a light that reminds you to descale your appliance, an automatic switch off and an automatic drip stopper to stop spills on the hotplate. This brewer heats the water quickly to a desired temperature of 92-96degC for optimal extraction.
This brewer will make between one and ten cups of filter coffee, each cup is 250ml and takes three to four minutes to prepare. The brewer comes with a stainless steel thermo jug that is designed for keeping the coffee at the perfect temperature for drinking. This is an excellent feature that sets it against other filter coffee makers that only keep the coffee warm.
4. Bonavita
Unlock your coffee's full potential with this top-rated auto drip brewer. The Bonavita Connoisseur has a minimalist design and is easy to operate. It features a stainless steel carafe with a 1.3-liter capacity and can be used with standard flat bottom basket filters (not the cones with #4 that are recommended by Moccamaster and other SCAA-certified equipment).
The design of the Bonavita is clean and simple and includes an integrated filter holder that keeps the filters in place during brewing. This makes it easier to avoid contamination during the brewing process. It also comes with shower heads that ensure uniform distribution of water over the grounds, resulting in a greater extraction of flavors and aromas.
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 ideal temperature in just minutes. The average internal temperature remained at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the brewing process, only fluctuating a few degrees either way.
The Bonavita, like other programmable coffee makers can be programmed to start at a specific time and set a specific brew period. It can also be adjusted to a particular size of brew and temperature. This feature lets you make only one cup at a time, which is useful for busy families.
One downside to the Bonavita is that it doesn't have a pre-infusion function that helps improve flavor by encouraging more of the coffee to absorb water. It is also difficult to determine accurately the amount of coffee grounds needed because the different coffees have different density. The most accurate way to measure the amount grounds is to weigh them on a scale instead of using a teaspoon.
5. Melitta
From the company which invented filter coffee comes this machine with several features that improve your coffee brewing experience. There's a drip stop built into the filter holder to avoid spills when removing the jug. The coffee can be kept warm for upto forty minutes after making.
The jug and basket are made of high-quality borosilicate glass. The jug and filter basket are easily cleaned by hand or by using the dishwasher. The epour features an easy-to-read LED limescale indicator so that you will know when to descale. This model has an inbuilt bloom setting that helps to release trapped CO2 which can cause a bitter tasting cup.
If coffee pot drip Coffeee looking for a device with a small 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 because of its an angled design. It has a simple layout of the buttons and is easily operated with one hand. The water tank can be easily removed, making it easier to fill it up.
The machine can also be programmed to prepare coffee at a particular time. This lets you awake with fresh hot filter coffee that can save you time and energy. Aroma Elegance also comes with other features that can enhance your coffee brewing experience with features like programmable water softness, auto-descaling and 3 keep warm settings. Melitta is also an eco-friendly company, using sustainably sourced materials and chlorine-free papers in their filters. This is evident in their products and packaging which are 100 recycled to a hundred percent.