Filter Coffee Makers
In a sea of costly barista-style coffee machines, filter coffee makers are the reliable, simple original method of brewing. They are affordable and can be purchased at the market at around PS20.
These filter coffee makers have many functions including a timer to get you up with an espresso at the perfect time. They heat the water to the right temperature to brew filter coffee.
1. Chemex
Since its creation by Peter Schlumbohm, in 1941 the sleek and elegant glass Chemex has been a favorite among coffee lovers. The hourglass shaped flask is similar to an Erlenmeyer flask which is where the odd name comes from (or maybe Fleming took inspiration from it when writing From Russia With Love). It's been an icon in the world of specialty coffee for its stylish aesthetic and crystal clear filter brews that are easy to see through.
Like other pour over coffee makers like the V60 dripper as well as the Melitta filter coffee maker is a manual method of brewing that involves pouring hot water over the ground in a steady controlled way that allows for an even extraction of flavour. The key to a good Chemex brew is to ensure that your grinds are medium coarse and that you use the correct filter. Unlike thin paper filters found in many filter coffee machines, Chemex uses thicker 'lab-grade filters that remove more of the coffee fines and oils that can give your brew a bitter taste.
When coffee filter maker is full, you simply take the filter out and the brew 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 the water to ensure that the brew does not over-extracted.
The drawback to Chemex is that Chemex is that it can take longer than other filter coffee makers to brew your cup of coffee. It also requires a certain level of experience to achieve the best results. It's not as adept at making large quantities of coffee like an electronic filter machine. So it's better for those who prefer the manual method of brewing and smaller batches.
2. Moccamaster
Although it might not have all the bells and whistles of modern machines however, the Moccamaster is still a reliable and reliable device that is sure to never be outdated. The brewing method it uses will heat water to a point that is just above the boiling point, which is ideal for filter coffee as it reduces bitterness.
It's energy efficient because the Moccamaster can keep the water at the optimal temperature for the entire brewing process. Its design makes it simple to clean and disassemble to ensure that the components remain clean and fresh in 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 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 is also a great product: it is very easy to maintain. It's constructed of top-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 choice for filter 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 creates outstanding filter coffee machines with a focus of simplicity, efficiency and stunning design. Their products showcase Scandinavian minimalistism at its finest. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker is a prime example It has an interesting design that makes this automatic brewer stand out from the rest. This premium filter coffee maker also has a sense of security, with a 5-year warranty which guarantees its durability.
The design of this brewer makes it easy to set up, fill with water and then begin the brewing process. This brewer features one litre of water that is removable tank that is easy to clean. The pump technology makes sure that the entire system is empty with each brew, unlike other coffee makers with filter technology that leave water in the system, affecting subsequent brews. This allows you to use fresh water for every new batch of coffee ensuring your coffee will always taste great.
With the Classic Plus, you'll find an elegant and simple design that has a variety of useful features like a manual flow control wheel (close it for a time to make an even stronger drink) and an overflow drain inside the filter holder, an indicator that reminds you to clean the appliance, an automatic switch off and a manual drip stopper to stop spills from the hotplate. The brewer quickly heats water to the desired temperature of 92-96degC.
This brewer can make between one to 10 cups of filter coffee. Each cup is 250ml and takes about three to four minutes. The maker comes with the stainless steel thermo jug to help in keeping the coffee at the right temperature for drinking. This is a great feature that makes it stand against other filter coffee makers which only keep the coffee warm.
4. Bonavita
This top-rated auto drip coffee maker 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 has a stainless-steel carafe with an 1.3-liter capacity and is compatible with standard flat bottom filters (not the cones with #4 that are recommended by Moccamaster and other SCAA-certified machines).
The Bonavita has a simple and clean design. It also comes with a built in filter holder, which holds the filters while the brewing process. This helps to prevent contamination during the brewing process. The machine also has shower heads that ensure uniform distribution of water over the grounds, resulting in a better extraction of flavors and aromas.
The Bonavita's ability to regulate water temperature precisely is another reason it is an excellent filter coffee maker. The thermocouple measurements taken from the brew-basket confirmed that water reached the ideal temperature in just minutes. The average internal temperature was 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the brewing process, with only fluctuating by a few degrees.
Like other filter coffee makers that can be programmed like the Bonavita can be programmed to start at a certain time and set to a specific time to brew. It can also be adjusted to a particular size of brew and temperature. This feature makes it possible to make just one cup at a time which is great for busy families.
The Bonavita does not come with a pre-infusion function that can enhance the flavor by allowing more ground coffee to be saturated with water. It can be difficult to determine the exact amount of grounds of coffee needed, since the different coffees have different density. The most precise method to measure the amount grounds is to weigh them using an scale, rather than using the use of a teaspoon.
5. Melitta
From the company which invented filter coffee is this machine that has a number of features to enhance your drinking experience. There's a drip stop in the filter holder to prevent spills when you remove the jug. The coffee can be kept warm for up to forty minutes after making.
The jug and the filter basket are made of high-quality borosilicate glass. They are easy to clean by hand or in your dishwasher. The epour comes with an effective LED indicator for limescale to let you'll know when it's time to descale. This model comes with an inbuilt bloom setting that allows you to let out CO2 that has been trapped, which can result in an bitter tasting cup.
This machine is ideal for those looking for a machine that has a small footprint. The Aroma Elegance is just slightly larger and wider than the Moccamaster however, it can be placed 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 water tank can be easily removed and makes it easy to fill it up.
Another advantage is that the machine can be programmed to brew at a specific time. This allows you to awake with fresh hot filter coffee that can save you both time and energy. The Aroma Elegance comes with a range of other features that make your brewing experience more enjoyable, including adjustable water hardness, auto descaling, and three keep-warm settings. Melitta is also an eco-friendly company made from sustainably-sourced materials and chlorine-free papers in their filters. This is reflected in their packaging and products which are also 100 100% recyclable.