Filter Coffee Makers

Filter coffee makers are a simple reliable alternative to expensive barista-style coffee machines. They are cheap and can be found on the high streets for around PS20.

These filter coffee makers typically come with normal functions, such as a timer to wake you up with a cup of coffee at just the right time. They make sure that the water is heated to the ideal temperature to brew 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 is similar to an Erlenmeyer flask which is probably where the odd name comes from (or perhaps Fleming took inspiration from it while writing From Russia With Love). It's been an icon in the world of specialty dripping coffee because of its elegant design and crystal clear filter brews that are easy to see through.

Similar to other pour over coffee makers like the V60 dripper coffee maker and Melitta, this filter coffee maker is a manual brewing technique that involves pouring hot water over pre-soaked grounds in a steady and controlled manner that permits an even extraction of flavor. The key to a good Chemex brew is to ensure that your grinds are medium coarse and that you utilize the correct filter. Unlike thin paper filters found in most filter coffee machines, Chemex uses thicker 'lab-grade filters that take out more of the coffee oils and fines that can give your brew a bitter taste.

The brew will be ready to drink when the Chemex is filled. Allow your brew to 'bloom or absorb the water for 30 seconds before pouring. This will help the ground expand and absorb it so that the brew is not over-extracted.

The downside of Chemex is that Chemex is that it will take longer than other filter coffee makers to make your coffee. It also requires a certain level of experience to achieve the best results. It's not as good at making large batches of coffee as an electric filter machine. Therefore, it's best for those who prefer small batches and manual brewing.

2. Moccamaster

The Moccamaster might not come with the bells and whistles more modern machines do, but it's still a reliable machine that will never be outdated. The brewing method it uses heats water just above boiling temperature which is ideal for filter coffee as it prevents bitterness.

The fact that the Moccamaster is able to keep the water at an optimal temperature throughout the entire brew process makes it an energy-efficient device. Its design makes it easy to clean and disassemble so that the components remain clean and fresh in between use.

If you are looking to make a good cup, use a medium-fine grinding. This is the same as the Chemex brewer or pour-over. This will ensure that the grounds are evenly distributed and do not block the water flow. The Moccamaster also comes with a shower head that sprays the grounds including a manual flow control wheel (close it for a while to get a stronger beverage), overflow drain in the filter holder, an indicator that reminds you to descale your appliance, automatic switch off and a drip coffee makers stopper that can be manually operated to stop spills from the hotplate. The brewer quickly heats water to the desired temperature of 92 to 96 degrees Celsius.

This brewer can make between one and 10 cups of filter coffee. Each cup is generously 250ml in volume and takes about three to four minutes. The maker comes with a stainless steel thermo jug that is designed for keeping the coffee at the right temperature for drinking. This is an excellent feature and an important selling point over other filter coffee maker uk coffee makers which only keep the coffee warm on the hotplate.

4. Bonavita

This top-rated auto drip filter coffee Coffee brewer - click4r.com - will help you make the most of your coffee. The Bonavita Connoisseur has a minimalist design and is easy to operate. It comes with a stainless steel carafe with a 1.3-liter capacity and can be used with standard flat bottom basket filters (not the cones in #4 that are recommended by Moccamaster and other SCAA-certified equipment).

The design of the Bonavita is simple and clean and includes a built-in filter holder that keeps the filters in place while the brewing process. This helps to prevent contamination during the brewing process. The machine has showerheads that distribute water evenly over the ground. This allows for better extraction of flavors.

Its tight control over water temperature is another reason why the Bonavita is an excellent filter coffee maker. Thermocouple readings from the brew basket showed that the water reached the desired temperature within minutes. The average internal temperature remained at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the brewing process, just fluctuating a few degrees either way.

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

The Bonavita does not have the option of pre-infusion that can enhance flavor by permitting more ground coffee to be saturated with water. It can also be difficult to accurately determine the amount of coffee grounds required as different coffees have a distinct density. The most accurate way to determine the amount of grounds is to weigh them using a scale rather than using a teaspoon.

5. Melitta

From the company that invented filter coffee, comes this machine with several features that improve your coffee drinking experience. The filter holder has an anti-drip stop to prevent spills while removing the jug. There's also a handy keep warm function, so you can take pleasure in your freshly prepared coffee for up to 40 minutes after the brew has been complete.

The jug and filter basket are made from high-quality borosilicate glass. They are easy to clean either by hand or by using your dishwasher. The epour has an LED limescale indicator so that you can know when to descale. The model comes with an integrated bloom setting that allows you to release CO2 trapped in the system, which can lead to a bitter tasting cup.

If you're looking for a machine with tiny footprint, this is the one. The Aroma Elegance is slightly larger and taller than the Moccamaster however it still fits into a corner due to its angled design. It's easy to operate using just one hand and has a clearly laid out selection button layout. The water tank can be easily removed, making it easy to refill.

Another benefit is that the machine can be programmed to brew at a specific time. This allows you to get up to fresh hot filter coffee, and can 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 is also an eco-friendly company made from sustainably-sourced materials and chlorine-free paper for their filters. This is evident in their packaging and products that are 100% recyclable.