Filter Coffee Makers
Filter coffee makers are a basic, reliable alternative to the expensive barista style coffee machines. They are inexpensive and can be found on the high street for around PS20.
These filter coffee makers come with many functions including a timer to make you feel refreshed with a cup of coffee at the right time. They heat the water to the ideal temperature for brewing filter coffee.
1. Chemex
Since its invention by Peter Schlumbohm, in 1941, the sleek and stylish glass Chemex has been a favorite among coffee lovers. The flask's shape is reminiscent of 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 a cult in the world of specialty coffee because of its elegant design and crystal clear filter brews that are easy to see through.
Similar to other pour over coffee makers, such as the V60 dripper and the Melitta filter coffee maker is a manual brewing method that involves pouring hot water over the ground in a steady controlled manner that allows for an even extraction of flavor. The key to a successful Chemex brew is to ensure that your grinds are medium fine and you are using the right type of filter. Contrary to the thin paper filters used in most filter coffee machines, Chemex uses thicker 'lab-grade filters that take out more coffee oils and fines that can give your brew a bitter taste.
The beverage will be ready to drink once the Chemex is filled. Let the brew 'bloom or absorb the water for 30 seconds before pouring. This will help the ground expand and absorb it to ensure that the brew is not over-extracted.
The only drawback to a Chemex coffee maker is that it takes a bit longer to make a cup of coffee than other filter coffee makers and requires some know-how to achieve the best results. It's also not suited as well to making a large number of cups at a time like an electric filter coffee machine, so it's more suitable for smaller batches, and for those who enjoy the art and art of manual making coffee.
2. Moccamaster
Although it might not have all the bells and whistles of more modern devices but the Moccamaster is still a reliable workhorse that is likely to never lose its appeal. Its brewing method heats water just above boiling temperature, which is perfect for filter coffee as it prevents bitterness.
The fact that the Moccamaster can keep the water at an optimal temperature throughout the entire brewing process means it's also extremely energy efficient. Plus, its design allows it to be easily taken apart and cleaned, ensuring that the components can be kept fresh and clean between uses.
When it comes to making a good filter coffee cup you should 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 hinder flow of water. The Moccamaster also comes with shower heads that spray the grounds to ensure an even extraction.
Another excellent 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. filter coffee machine how to use 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 looking for 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 coffee filters.
3. Wilfa
The Norwegian company Wilfa creates outstanding filter coffee machines with an emphasis on simplicity, functionality and great design. Their products are the epitome of Scandinavian minimalistic design. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker, for example, has a cool, nerdy design that makes it stand out. It also oozes confidence thanks to a 5-year guarantee that supports the longevity of this top-quality filter coffee maker.
This brewer is easy to use. Simply fill it with water, and you are able to start brewing. This brewer comes with an 1 litre water tank that can be easily cleaned. The pump technology makes sure that the entire system is completely emptied after every brew. This is in contrast to other filter coffee machines that leave water behind and affect subsequent brews. This allows you to use fresh water for every new batch of coffee, ensuring that your coffee will always taste good.
With the Classic Plus, you'll find a simple yet smart 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 a stronger drink), overflow drain in the filter holder, a light that reminds you to clean the appliance, automatic switch off and a drip stopper that can be manually operated to stop spills from the hotplate. This brewer heats the water quickly to a suitable temperature of 92-96 degrees Celsius for optimal extraction.
This brewer is capable of making between one and 10 cups of filter coffee. Each cup is 250ml in volume and takes between three and four minutes. The brewer comes with the stainless steel thermo jug to help in keeping the brewed coffee at the right temperature for drinking. This is a great feature and a big selling point over other filter coffee makers that keep the coffee warm on the hotplate.
4. Bonavita
This best-rated auto drip coffee brewer can help you make the most of your coffee. The Bonavita Connoisseur is a sleek and minimalist appliance that is user-friendly. It has a stainless steel carafe which holds 1.3 liters and can be used to filter coffee using standard flat bottom baskets (not the #4 cones recommended by Moccamaster or other SCAA-certified machines).
The design of the Bonavita is clean and simple and comes with an inbuilt filter holder to keep the filters in place while the brewing process. This prevents messes during the brewing process. The machine comes with showerheads that spread water evenly across the grounds. This helps in the extraction of flavors.
The precise control of the temperature of the water is another reason why the Bonavita is an excellent filter coffee maker. The thermocouple readings from the brew basket confirmed that the water was at the desired temperature within minutes. The average internal temperature remained at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the remainder of the brewing cycle, only swinging just a few degrees either direction.
The Bonavita is, like other coffee makers that are programmable, can be programmed to start at a particular time and to set a specific brew period. It is also able to be adjusted to a particular size of brew and temperature. This feature allows you to brew just one cup at a time, which is useful for busy families.
The Bonavita isn't equipped with the option of pre-infusion, which can improve flavor by allowing more ground coffee to be soaked in water. It can also be difficult to accurately determine the amount of grounds of coffee needed, since different coffees have a distinct density. It's best to weigh the grounds on a scale instead of using a tablespoon, as this is the most accurate way to do it.
5. Melitta
This machine is from the brand that invented the filter coffee filter. It comes with a range of features to improve the brewing process. The filter holder features an anti-drip stop to prevent spills while removing the jug. The coffee can be kept warm for up to 40 minutes after brewing.
The jug and the filter basket are made of premium borosilicate glass. They are easy to clean either by hand or in your dishwasher. The epour also has an LED limescale indicator, so you know when it's time to descale. This model also has a built-in bloom setting that helps release unwanted trapped CO2 that can result in a bitter tasting cup of coffee.
This machine is ideal for those who are seeking a machine with an extremely small footprint. The Aroma Elegance may be slightly taller and wider than the Moccamaster however it still fits in a corner due to its an angled design. It is easy to use with its easy to use selection button layout and is easily operated with one hand. The tank of water is easily removable, making it easier to fill it up.
Another benefit is that the machine can be programmed to brew at a certain time. This lets you get up to fresh hot filter coffee, and will save you time and energy. The Aroma Elegance has a variety of other features that make your coffee brewing experience more enjoyable, including programmable water hardness, auto descaling, and three keep-warm settings. Melitta uses chlorine-free papers and sustainably sourced materials in its filters. This is evident by their products and packaging which are 100% recyclable.