Filter Coffee Makers

Filter coffee makers are a simple, reliable alternative to the expensive barista-style coffee makers. They are inexpensive and can be found at the market at around PS20.

The filter coffee makers are equipped with many functions including a timer to wake you with a cup of coffee at the perfect 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 stylish glass Chemex has become a favorite for coffee lovers. The flask's hourglass shape is reminiscent of an Erlenmeyer flask which is where the name came from (or maybe Fleming was influenced by it when writing From Russia With Love). It's become a symbol in the world of specialty coffee for its sleek design and crystal clear filter coffees 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 method of brewing where hot water is poured over the pre-soaked grounds in a steady and controlled way that allows for an even extraction of flavor. To get the most out of your Chemex brew, you need to use medium-coarse grinds as well as the right filter. Unlike thin paper filters found in most filter coffee machines, Chemex uses thicker 'lab-grade filters that remove more coffee fines and Drip brewer oils that could give your brew a bitter taste.

When the Chemex is full, simply lift out the filter and the brew is ready to drink. It is a good idea to let your brew "bloom' for 30 seconds before pouring, this helps the ground expand and absorb the water to ensure that it's not over extracted.

The only drawback to the Chemex coffee maker is that it takes a bit longer to make a cup of coffee than other filter coffee makers and requires some experience to get the most effective results. It's not as adept in making large batches of coffee like an electric filter machine. So it's better for those who prefer small batches and manual brewing.

2. Moccamaster

The Moccamaster might not come with the bells and whistles that more modern machines have, but it's still a reliable 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 because it prevents the bitterness that can sometimes be associated with boiling coffee.

It's energy efficient since the Moccamaster can keep the water at the optimal temperature throughout the making process. In addition, its design permits it to be easily disassembled and washed, so the components are clean and fresh between use.

If you're looking to make a great cup, you should use a medium-fine ground. This is similar to a Chemex pour-over or brewer. This will ensure that the grounds are evenly distributed and don't block water flow. The Moccamaster also comes with shower heads that spray the grounds to ensure afeatures like the manual flow control wheel (close it for a while to get an even stronger brew), overflow drain in the filter holder, an indicator that reminds you to descale your appliance, automatic switch off and a best drip coffee machine stopper that can be manually operated to prevent spills on the hotplate. This brewer heats water quickly to the desired temperature of 92 to 96 degrees Celsius.

The brewer can produce between one and 10 cups of filter coffee. Each cup is 250ml in size and takes between three and four minutes. The brewer comes with a stainless steel thermo jug to help in keeping the coffee at the perfect temperature for drinking. This is an excellent feature and a major selling point over other filter coffee pot drip makers that keep the coffee warm on the hotplate.

4. Bonavita

Discover the full potential of your coffee with this top-rated auto drip brewer. The Bonavita Connoisseur has a minimalist design and is easy to operate. It comes with a stainless-steel carafe that holds 1.3 Liters and can be used to filter coffee using standard flat bottom baskets (not the cones suggested by Moccamaster or other SCAA-certified machines).

The Bonavita is simple and clean design. It also has a built in filter holder, which is used to hold the filters during the brewing. This makes it easier to avoid mess during the brewing process. The machine drip is equipped with showerheads that distribute water evenly over the grounds. This allows for better extraction of flavors.

The precise control of water temperature is another reason why the Bonavita is an excellent filter coffee maker. The thermocouple measurements from the brew basin confirmed that the water reached the perfect temperature in only minutes. The average internal temperature was 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the brewing process, just fluctuating a few degrees either way.

The Bonavita is, like other programmable coffee makers, can be programmed to start at a particular time and to set the brew duration. It can also be set to a particular temperature and size of brew. This feature lets you make only one cup at any given time, which can be beneficial for families with a busy schedule.

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

5. Melitta

From the company that invented filter coffee comes this machine with several features that improve your coffee drinking experience. The filter holder features a drip-stop to prevent spills while taking the jug out. It also has a handy keep-warm function, allowing you to enjoy freshly prepared coffee for up to 40 minutes after the brew is completed.

The jug and filter basket are made from high-quality borosilicate glass. They are easy to clean either by hand or in your dishwasher. The epour also has a practical LED limescale indicator to let you can tell when it's time to descale. This model comes with an inbuilt bloom setting that helps to let out CO2 that has been trapped, which can cause a bitter tasting cup.

This machine is ideal for those seeking a machine with a small footprint. The Aroma Elegance may be slightly taller and wider than the Moccamaster but can still fit in a corner due to its angle design. It is easy to use with its clear selection button layout and is easily operated with one hand. The tank of water is easily removed, making it easy to refill.

Another great feature is that the machine can be programmed to brew at a certain 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 brewing experience more enjoyable. These include programmable water hardness, auto descaling, and 3 keep-warm settings. Melitta is also an eco-friendly brand that uses sustainably sourced materials and chlorine-free paper in their filters. This is evident in their packaging and products that are 100% recyclable.