This Is The Ultimate Cheat Sheet For Filter Coffee Makers
Filter Coffee Makers
In a sea of costly barista-esque coffee machines filter coffee makers are the reliable, simplistic traditional method of brewing. They're inexpensive to purchase and are available on the high street for around PS20.
These filter coffee makers come with a variety of functions such as a clock that can wake you with an espresso at the right time. They can heat water to a perfect temperature to brew filter coffee.
1. Chemex
The sleek, elegant glass Chemex coffee maker has been a favorite by coffee lovers since it was invented by Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. The flask's shape is similar to an Erlenmeyer flask which is the source of the name (or perhaps Fleming was inspired by it when writing From Russia With Love). It's been a cult in the specialty coffee scene for its sleek design and crystal clear filter coffees that are easy to see through.
This filter coffee maker like other pour-over coffee makers such as the V60 dripper or Melitta is a manual brewing technique where hot water is poured slowly over the pre-soaked ground in a controlled manner to ensure an even extraction. The key to a successful Chemex brew is to ensure that your grinds are medium coarse and you are using the correct filter. Contrary to the thin paper filters used in most filter coffee machines, Chemex uses thicker 'lab-grade' filters which remove more of the coffee fines and oils that could give your brew a bitter taste.
When the Chemex is full, you simply lift out the filter and your beer is ready for drinking. Allow your brew to 'bloom,' or absorb the water for 30 seconds, before pouring. This will help the ground expand and absorb the water to ensure that the brew is not over-extracted.
The drawback to a Chemex is that it will take longer than other filter coffee makers to make your cup of coffee. It also requires a certain amount of expertise to get the best results. It's not as efficient in making large batches of coffee as an electronic filter machine. It's therefore better suited for those who prefer the manual method of 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not come with the bells and whistles other modern machines do, but it is still an efficient machine that will never be outdated. The method used to brew coffee will heat water to a point that is just above the boiling point, which is perfect for filter coffee because it prevents bitterness.
The fact that the Moccamaster can keep the water at a perfect temperature throughout the entire brewing process makes it a very energy-efficient device. Its design makes it simple to take apart and clean, so that the components remain fresh and clean between usages.
When it comes to a good filter coffee cup it is recommended to make use of a medium-fine grind, similar to a Chemex or pour-over brewer, to ensure that the grounds are evenly distributed and don't hinder water flow. The Moccamaster also comes with a shower head that sprays the grounds to ensure even extraction.
The Moccamaster has a further advantage It's very easy to maintain. It's made from high-quality materials, such as stainless steel and BPAand 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 filter coffee enthusiasts who are seeking a top-quality 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 filtering, check out my friends at Coffee Hit.
3. Wilfa
The Norwegian company Wilfa makes excellent filter coffee machines that have a the focus on simplicity, functionality and great design. Their products are the epitomize of Scandinavian minimalistic design. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker For instance, it is a quirky design that makes it stand out. It also oozes confidence thanks to a a 5 year guarantee warranty which ensures the long-term durability of this premium filter coffee maker.
This brewer is easy to use. Simply fill it up with water, and you are able to start brewing. This brewer has one litre of water that is removable tank that is easy to clean. The pump technology makes sure that the entire system is emptied with every brew. This is different from other filter coffee machines that leave water behind, which can impact subsequent brews. This allows you to use fresh water for every new batch of coffee ensuring your coffee will always taste good.
The Classic Plus has a simple, yet smart design. It has a variety of useful features, such as the flow control wheel, which can be manually adjusted (close it for a few minutes to ensure a stronger beverage) and an overflow drain within the filter holder as well as a reminder to descale your appliance, an automatic shut-off and a drip stopper manual that will stop spills from spilling onto the hotplate. This brewer heats the water quickly to a suitable 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 around three to four minutes to brew. The brewer comes with the stainless steel thermo jug for keeping the coffee at the ideal drinking temperature. This is a fantastic feature that helps it stand out from other filter coffee makers which only keep the coffee warm.
4. Bonavita
Get the most out of your coffee with this top-rated auto drip brewer. The Bonavita Connoisseur has a minimalist design and is simple to use. It comes with a stainless-steel carafe that can hold 1.3 liters and can be used to filter coffee using flat bottom baskets (not the cones #4 recommended by Moccamaster or other SCAA-certified machines).
The Bonavita has a simple and sleek design. It also has an integrated filter holder that holds the filters during the brewing process. This makes it easier to avoid any mess that may occur during the process of brewing. The machine also has shower heads that ensure uniform distribution of water over the grounds, which results in better extraction of aromas and flavors.
Its tight control over the temperature of the water is another reason why the Bonavita is an excellent filter coffee maker. The thermocouple measurements from the brew basin 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 a few degrees either way.
Like other programmable filter coffee makers such as the Bonavita can be programmed to start at a specific time and set to a specific time to brew. It is also able to be adjusted to a specific brew size and temperature. This feature allows you to brew only one cup at any given time, which is useful for busy families.
One disadvantage of the Bonavita is that it doesn't have a pre-infusion function, which enhances flavor by allowing more of the ground coffee to become saturated with water. It can be difficult to accurately determine the amount of grounds of coffee needed, since different coffees have a distinct density. The most precise method to measure the amount grounds is to weigh them using a scale instead of using a teaspoon.
5. Melitta
From the brand that invented filter coffee comes this machine with a number of features to improve your coffee drinking experience. The filter holder comes with a drip-stop to prevent spills while taking the jug out. The coffee can be kept warm for upto forty minutes after making.
Coffeee and the filter basket are made of premium borosilicate glass. They are easy to clean either by hand or in the dishwasher. The epour features an easy-to-read LED limescale indicator so you can determine when you need to descale. This model has an inbuilt bloom setting that helps to let out CO2 that has been trapped, which can result in an bitter tasting cup.
If you're looking for a device with tiny footprint, this is the one. The Aroma Elegance might be slightly taller and wider than the Moccamaster but it can still fit into a corner due to its angle design. It is easy to use with its easy to use selection button layout and can be operated by one hand. The tank of water can be easily removed, making it easier to fill it up.
The machine can also be programmed to make coffee at a specific time. This can save both time and effort, allowing you to awake to a clean warm filter. The Aroma Elegance has a variety of other features that make your brewing experience more enjoyable. These include the ability to program water hardness, automatic descaling, and 3 keep-warm settings. Melitta uses chlorine-free papers and sustainably sourced materials in its filters. This is evident in their packaging and products which are also 100% recyclable.