Filter Coffee Makers

Filter coffee makers are a simple, reliable alternative to the expensive barista-style coffee machines. They're cheap to buy and can be found on the high street at around PS20.

These filter coffee makers usually have normal functions including a timer to wake you up with a cup of coffee at just the right moment. They make sure that the water is heated to the right brewing temperature for filter-coffee.

1. Chemex

The sleek, fashionable glass Chemex coffee maker has been a favourite by coffee enthusiasts since its invention by Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. The flask's hourglass shape is similar to an Erlenmeyer flask which is the source of the name (or maybe Fleming was influenced by it when writing From Russia With Love). It's been a coffee icon for its stylish aesthetics and crystal clear filter brews.

Similar to other pour-over coffee makers, such as the V60 dripper and the Melitta, this filter coffee maker is a manual brewing technique which involves pouring hot water over the pre-soaked grounds in a steady controlled way that allows for an even extraction of flavour. To get the most out of your Chemex brew, you need to use medium-fine grinds and the correct filter. Chemex uses thicker filters, which are lab-grade,' as opposed to the thin paper filters found in the majority of filter machines. These filters are able to remove more coffee oils espresso and filter coffee machine fines that can cause your brew to have a bad taste.

After the Chemex is full, simply lift out the filter and the beverage is ready to drink. A good suggestion is to let your 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 downside of Chemex Chemex is that it may take longer than other filter coffee makers to make your cup of coffee and requires a certain amount of expertise for the best results. It's not as efficient at making large batches of coffee like an electronic filter machine. Therefore, it's best for those who prefer the manual method of brewing and smaller batches.

2. Moccamaster

The Moccamaster may not have the bells and whistles that more modern devices do, but it is still an efficient machine that will never go out-of-style. The brewing process heats water to a point that is just above boiling, which is ideal for filter coffee as it helps eliminate bitterness that is often caused by boiling coffee.

It's energy efficient since the Moccamaster can keep the water at the optimal temperature for the entire making process. Its design makes it simple to take apart and clean, to ensure that the components remain clean and fresh in between use.

When it comes to making a good cup of filter coffee, you'll want to make use of a medium-fine grind, similar to a Chemex or pour-over brewer--to make sure the grounds are evenly distributed and don't hinder water flow. The Moccamaster includes a showerhead that sprays grounds evenly to ensure extraction.

The Moccamaster has a further advantage: it is very easy to maintain. It is made from high-quality materials like stainless steel, as well as 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 choice for coffee lovers who want to invest in a high-end 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 an emphasis on simplicity, efficiency and stunning design. Their products are the epitome of Scandinavian minimalistic design. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker is a prime example, it has an intriguing style that makes this auto brewer stand out from the rest. It also oozes confidence thanks to a 5-year guarantee which ensures the long-term durability of this top-quality filter coffee maker.

The design of this brewer makes it easy to set up, fill with water and then begin brewing. This brewer comes with an 1 litre water tank that can be easily cleaned. The pump technology ensures that the entire system is emptied with every brew. This is different from other coffee makers that leave water behind, which can impact subsequent brews. This allows you to make use of fresh water for each batch of coffee, making sure that your coffee always tastes good.

The Classic Plus has a simple and elegant design. It has a variety of useful features, like a flow control knob that can be manually adjusted (close it for a few minutes to get an even stronger beverage) as well as an overflow drain in the filter holder and the reminder to clean your appliance, an automatic switch-off, and a drip coffee maker stopper manual to prevent spills onto the hotplate. The brewer quickly heats water to the desired temperature of 92-96degC.

This brewer will make between one and 10 cups of filter coffee each cup is a generous 250ml and takes around three to four minutes to make. The brewer comes with the stainless steel thermo jug for keeping the coffee brewed at the right temperature for drinking. This is a great feature that makes it stand out from other coffee makers that only keep the coffee warm.

4. Bonavita

This top-rated auto drip coffee brewer can help you unlock the full potential of your coffee. The Bonavita Connoisseur is a sleek and minimalist appliance that's simple to use. It comes with a stainless steel carafe with a 1.3-liter capacity and is compatible with standard flat bottom basket filters (not the cones with #4 that are recommended by Moccamaster and other SCAA-certified equipment).

The Bonavita has a simple and sleek design. It also includes an inbuilt filter holder, which holds the filters while the brewing. This makes it easier to avoid messes during the brewing process. The machine comes with showerheads that distribute water evenly over the grounds. This helps in the extraction of flavors.

Its precise control over the temperature of the water is another reason to consider the Bonavita an excellent filter coffee maker. The thermocouple measurements from the brew basin confirmed that the water was at the perfect temperature in only minutes. The average internal temperature remained at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit for the remaining time of the brewing process with only just a few degrees in either direction.

Like other filter coffee makers that can be programmed like the Bonavita can be programmed to turn on at a specific time and set to a particular brew time. It can also be set to a certain temperature and size of brew. This feature makes it possible to make just one cup at a time which is great for busy families.

The Bonavita does not have a pre-infusion function, which can improve flavor by allowing more coffee grounds to be soaked in water. It can be difficult to accurately determine the amount of coffee grounds required because different coffees have a distinct density. The most accurate method to measure the amount grounds is to weigh them using a scale rather than using the equivalent of a teaspoon.

5. Melitta

This machine is made by the brand that invented the filter coffee drip machine. It comes with a range of features to improve your brewing. There's a kitchenaid drip coffee maker stop in the filter holder to avoid spills when you remove the jug. It also has a handy keep-warm feature, so you can take pleasure in your freshly brewed coffee for up to 40 minutes after the brew has been complete.

The jug and filter basket are made of premium borosilicate glass. They are easy to clean either by hand or by using your dishwasher. The epour comes with a practical LED limescale indicator that lets you'll know when it's time to descale. This model comes with an inbuilt bloom setting that allows you to release CO2 trapped in the system, which can result in an bitter tasting cup.

If you're looking for a device with a small footprint, this is the one. The Aroma Elegance might be slightly larger and taller than the Moccamaster but it can still fit in a corner because of its an angled design. It has a simple layout of the buttons and is easily operated using just one hand. The water tank can be easily removed making it easy to fill it up.

The machine can be programmed to brew coffee at a certain time. This allows you to wake up with fresh hot filter coffee, and can save you time and energy. Aroma Elegance also has other functions that will make your brewing experience better with features like programmable water softness, auto-descaling and three settings to keep warm. Melitta utilizes chlorine-free paper and sustainably sourced materials in its filters. This is evident in their products and packaging, which are 100% recyclable.