Filter Coffee Makers

In a sea of costly barista-like coffee machines, filter coffee makers are the reliable, simple original method of making coffee. They're affordable to purchase and can be found on the high street at around PS20.

These coffee makers for filtering typically include normal functions like an alarm clock that wakes you up with a pot of coffee at the right time. They heat water to the perfect brewing temperature for filter coffee.

1. Chemex

Since its creation by Peter Schlumbohm, in 1941 the sleek and fashionable glass Chemex has been a popular choice for coffee drinkers. The flask's hourglass-shaped shape is similar to an Erlenmeyer flask which is probably the reason for the name (or perhaps Fleming was influenced by it when writing From Russia With Love). It's been a cult in the specialty coffee scene for its stylish aesthetic and crystal clear filter brews that are easy to see through.

This filter coffee maker, like other pour-over makers like the V60 dripper or Melitta is manual brewing method that involves pouring hot water slowly over the pre-soaked ground in a controlled manner to ensure a uniform extraction. The key to a good Chemex brew is to ensure that your grinds are medium fine and you are using the right type of filter. Chemex uses more robust filters that are 'lab grade rather than the thin paper filters used in the majority of filter machines. These filters eliminate more coffee oils and fines which can cause your brew to have a bad taste.

The brew will be ready to drink after the Chemex is filled. It is a good idea to let the brew "bloom for 30 seconds prior to pouring, this allows the ground expand and absorb the water to ensure that it isn't over extracted.

The only drawback of a Chemex coffee maker is that it takes a bit longer to brew a cup of coffee than other filter coffee makers, and requires expertise to get the most effective results. It's not as adept at making large quantities of coffee as an electronic filter machine. It's therefore better suited for those who prefer manual brewing and smaller batches.

2. Moccamaster

The Moccamaster might not come with the bells and whistles other modern machines do, but it is still an efficient machine that will never lose its appeal. The brewing method it uses is to heat water just above boiling temperature, which is ideal for filter coffee as it reduces bitterness.

The fact that the Moccamaster is able to keep the water at an ideal temperature throughout the entire brew process, makes it a very energy-efficient device. In addition, its design permits it to be easily removed and cleaned, meaning the components will remain clean and fresh between uses.

If you want to make a good cup of filter coffee you should make use of a medium-fine grind, similar to a Chemex or pour-over brewer--to make sure the grounds are evenly dispersed and don't block water flow. The Moccamaster has a showerhead which sprays grounds evenly to ensure that they are extracted.

Another benefit of the Moccamaster is that it's easy to maintain. It's made of high-quality materials, such as stainless steel and 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 an excellent option for those who are looking to invest in a premium filter coffee maker. Its build quality and functionality are backed up by an impressive list of drip coffee brewer aficionados who are using it in their cafes, roasters, and coffee shops--including the triple-Michelin-starred restaurant Alain Ducasse! For a full range of slow-coffee filters, be sure to check out my friends at Coffee Hit.

3. Wilfa

The Norwegian company Wilfa produces top-quality 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 is one such example It has an interesting nerdy look that makes this automatic brewer stand out from the rest. It also oozes confidence thanks to a five-year guarantee that ensures the durability of this premium filter coffee maker.

The design of this brewer makes it simple to install, fill with water and then begin the brewing process. The brewer comes with an 1 litre water tank that is easy to clean. The pump technology ensures the entire system is completely emptied after every brew. This is unlike other coffee makers that leave water behind, which can affect subsequent brews. This allows you to use fresh water for every new batch of coffee makers drip ensuring your coffee will always taste great.

The Classic Plus has a simple and elegant design. It is equipped with a number of useful features, including the flow control wheel, which can be manually adjusted (close it for a few minutes to get a stronger drink) as well as an overflow drain within your filter holder, a reminder to descale your appliance, an automatic shut-off and the drip coffee brewer stopper manual to stop spills from spilling onto the hotplate. The brewer quickly heats water to the desired temperature of 92-96degC.

This brewer can make between one and 10 cups of filter coffee. Each cup is 250ml in volume and takes three to four minutes. The brewer comes with a stainless steel thermo jug for keeping the coffee brewed at the ideal drinking temperature. This is a great feature and a major selling feature over other filter coffee makers that only keep the coffee warm on a hotplate.

4. Bonavita

This top-rated auto drip coffee brewer can help you unlock the full potential of your coffee. The Bonavita Connoisseur has a minimalist design and is easy to operate. It comes with a stainless steel carafe with capacity of 1.3-liter capacity and is compatible 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 comes with a built-in filter holder that holds the filters in place during brewing. This helps to prevent any mess that may occur during the process of brewing. The machine also features shower heads that ensure uniform distribution of water over the grounds, resulting in better extraction of flavors and aromas.

Its precise control over water temperature is another reason to consider the Bonavita an excellent filter coffee maker. The thermocouple measurements taken from the brew-basket confirmed that the water was at the perfect temperature within minutes. The average internal temperature remained at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the brewing process, only fluctuating by a few degrees.

The Bonavita is, like other programmable coffee makers, can be programmed to begin at a particular time and to set a specific brew period. It is also able to be adjusted to a specific brew size and temperature. This makes it possible to make just one cup at a time which is great for busy families.

The Bonavita isn't equipped with the option of pre-infusion that can enhance the flavor by allowing more coffee grounds to be saturated with water. Furthermore, it is difficult to accurately determine the amount of ground coffee required, as different coffees have varying densities. It is recommended to weigh the grounds using a scale rather than using a spoon, as this is the most precise method to do it.

5. Melitta

From the company that invented filter coffee, comes this machine with a number of features to enhance your enjoyment of brewing. The filter holder has a drip brewer-stopper to avoid spills when removing the jug. There's also a handy keep warm feature, so you can take pleasure in your freshly made coffee for up to 40 minutes after the brew has been completed.

The jug and basket are made of high-quality borosilicate glass. They are easy to clean either by hand or by using your dishwasher. The epour has an easy-to-read LED limescale indicator so you can determine when you need to descale. The model also has a built-in bloom setting, which allows you to release unwanted trapped CO2 that could lead to a bitter tasting cup of coffee.

This machine is perfect for those who are looking for a machine with a small footprint. The Aroma Elegance is a little taller and wider than the Moccamaster however it still fits into a corner due to its angled design. It's simple to operate with only one hand, and features a clearly laid out selection button layout. The tank for water is easily removable, making it easier to fill it up.

The machine can be programmed to brew coffee at a certain time. This will save time and effort by allowing you to awake to a clean warm filter. The Aroma Elegance comes with a number of other functions to make your brewing experience more enjoyable, such as adjustable water hardness, auto descaling, and 3 keep-warm settings. Melitta makes use of chlorine-free papers and sustainably sourced materials in its filters. This is reflected by their packaging and products that are 100 100% recyclable.