25 Surprising Facts About Filter Coffee Makers
Filter Coffee Makers
In a sea of expensive barista-style coffee machines, filter coffee makers are the reliable, simple original method of brewing. They are cheap and can be bought on the high street for around PS20.
These filter coffee makers come with various functions, including a clock to get you up with the perfect cup of coffee at the perfect time. They can heat water to a perfect brewing temperature for filter coffee.
1. Chemex
Since its invention by Peter Schlumbohm, in 1941, the sleek and stylish glass Chemex has been a favorite among coffee drinkers. The flask's hourglass-shaped shape is reminiscent of an Erlenmeyer flask, which is likely where the name came from (or maybe Fleming was influenced by it when he wrote From Russia With Love). It's been an icon in the world of specialty coffee for its stylish aesthetic and crystal clear filter brews that are easy to see through.
Similar to other pour over coffee makers, such as the V60 dripper and Melitta, this filter coffee maker is a manual brewing method where hot water is poured over the ground in a steady controlled manner that allows for an even extraction of flavor. To get the best Chemex brew, you need to use medium-coarse grinds as well as the correct filter. Chemex utilizes more robust filters that are 'lab grade in comparison to the thin paper filters found in most filter machines. Coffeee are able to remove more coffee oils and fines, which can cause your brew to have a bad taste.
Once the Chemex is full, simply lift out the filter and your beverage is ready to drink. It is a good idea to let your brew 'bloom' for 30 seconds before pouring, this allows the ground to expand and absorb the water to ensure that it doesn't get too extracted.
The only drawback of a Chemex coffee maker is that it takes more time to brew a cup coffee than other filter coffee makers, and requires expertise to get the most effective results. It also doesn't lend itself to making large quantities of cups in one go like an electric filter coffee machine and is therefore better suited for smaller batches and for those who enjoy the art and art of manual making coffee.
2. Moccamaster
While it may not come with all the bells and whistles of modern machines, the Moccamaster is still a reliable machine that is likely to never be outdated. The brewing method it uses heats water just above boiling temperature which is perfect for filter coffee because it reduces bitterness.
It's energy efficient because the Moccamaster can keep the water at an ideal temperature throughout the brewing process. Its design makes it easy to disassemble and wash, to ensure that the components remain fresh and clean between usages.
If you want to make a good filter coffee cup it is recommended to use a medium-fine grind--just like a Chemex or pour-over brewer, to make sure the grounds are evenly distributed and don't hinder water flow. The Moccamaster has a showerhead which sprays grounds evenly, ensuring that the coffee is extracted.
The Moccamaster is also a great product It's very easy to maintain. It's made of high-end 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 option 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! For a comprehensive selection of slow-coffee filters, be sure to check out my friends at Coffee Hit.
3. Wilfa
The Norwegian company Wilfa creates amazing filter coffee machines with a a focus of simplicity, function and great design. Their products display Scandinavian minimalistism at its best. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker is a prime example. It is a quirky design that makes it stand out. 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 easy to set up, fill with water and then begin the brewing process. This brewer has a 1 litre removable water tank that is easy to clean. The pump technology makes sure that the entire system is completely emptied after every brew. This is unlike other coffee makers that leave water behind and impact subsequent brews. This allows you to use fresh water for each batch of coffee, ensuring that your coffee always tastes good.
With the Classic Plus, you'll find an elegant and simple design that has a variety of useful features including the manual flow control wheel (close it for a while to get a stronger brew), overflow drain in the filter holder, a light that reminds you to descale your appliance, an automatic switch off and an automatic drip stopper to stop spills on the hotplate. This brewer heats the water quickly to a desired temperature of 92-96degC for optimal extraction.
This brewer can produce between one and 10 cups of filter-coffee Each cup is 250ml, and takes about three to four minutes to prepare. The brewer comes with a thermo jug made of stainless steel to keep the coffee at the ideal drinking temperature. This is a great feature and a big selling feature over other filter coffee makers that only keep the coffee warm on hot plates.
4. Bonavita
This best-rated auto drip coffee brewer will help you make the most of your coffee. The Bonavita Connoisseur has a minimalist design and is simple 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 #4 cones recommended by Moccamaster or other SCAA-certified machines).
The Bonavita is simple and elegant design. It also includes an inbuilt filter holder that holds the filters while the brewing process. This helps prevent messes during the brewing process. The machine comes with showerheads that spread 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. Thermocouple readings from the brew basket showed that the water had reached the desired temperature within minutes. The average internal temperature remained at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the rest of the brewing process, only changing a few degrees either way.
Like other filter coffee makers that can be programmed such as the Bonavita can be programmed to start at a certain time and set to a particular brew time. It is also able to be adjusted to a specific size of brew and temperature. This feature allows you to brew only one cup at a go which is ideal for busy families.
One downside to the Bonavita is that it does not have the pre-infusion feature, which enhances flavor by allowing more of the coffee to become saturated with water. It can be difficult to accurately determine the amount of coffee grounds needed because the different coffees have different density. It is recommended to weigh the grounds using a scale instead of using a spoon, as this is the most precise way to measure it.
5. Melitta
From the brand that invented filter coffee is this machine that has a number of features to improve your coffee brewing experience. There's a drip stop on the filter holder, which will prevent spills when removing the jug. There's also a handy keep warm function, so you can enjoy your freshly prepared coffee for up to 40 minutes after the brew has been complete.
The jug, the filter basket and lid are constructed of high-quality borosilicate glass. The jug and filter basket can be cleaned easily by hand or in the dishwasher. The epour features an LED limescale indicator so you can determine when you need to descale. The model comes with an inbuilt bloom setting that allows you to release trapped CO2 which can lead to a bitter tasting cup.
If you're looking for a device with a small footprint, this is the one. The Aroma Elegance is only a little wider and taller than the Moccamaster, but it can be placed in a corner thanks to its angled design. It is easy to operate using just one hand, and features clearly laid out selection button layout. The tank for water is easily removed, making it easy to refill.
Another benefit is that the machine can be programmed to brew coffee at a particular time. This lets you awake with fresh, hot filter coffee and can save you both time and energy. Aroma Elegance comes with additional features that will make your brewing experience better, such as programmable water softness, auto-descaling and three settings to keep warm. Melitta is also an eco-friendly company made from sustainably-sourced materials and chlorine-free papers in their filters. This is reflected by their products and packaging which are 100 recycled to a hundred percent.