7 Small Changes You Can Make That'll Make A Big Difference In Your Filter Coffee Makers
Filter Coffee Makers
In a sea of costly barista-esque coffee machines filter coffee makers are the dependable, simple traditional method of brewing. They're cheap to buy and are available on the high street for around PS20.
These coffee makers for filtering typically have normal functions including an alarm clock that wakes you up with a pot of coffee at just the right time. They can heat the 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 been a favorite among coffee lovers. The hourglass-shaped flask is similar to an Erlenmeyer flask, which is likely the source of the name from (or maybe Fleming got inspiration from it when he wrote From Russia With Love). It has been a specialty coffee brand for its sleek design and crystal clear filter coffees.
Similar to other pour-over coffee makers like the V60 dripper and the Melitta filter coffee maker is a manual method of brewing where hot water is poured over pre-soaked grounds in a steady controlled manner that allows for an even extraction of flavour. The key to a successful Chemex brew is to ensure that your grinds are medium coarse and that you utilize the correct type of filter. Chemex utilizes thicker filters, which are lab-grade in comparison to the paper filters that are thin and used in most filter machines. These filters are able to remove more coffee oils and fines that can give your brew an unpleasant taste.
The brew will be ready to drink after the Chemex is filled. A good tip is to let your brew 'bloom' for 30 seconds before pouring, this allows the ground to expand and absorb the water to ensure that it isn't over extracted.
The only downside of a Chemex coffee maker is that it takes a bit longer to make a cup of coffee than other filter coffee makers and requires some expertise to get the most effective results. It's not as efficient at making large batches of coffee as an electronic filter machine. It's therefore better suited for those who prefer manual brewing and smaller batches.
2. Moccamaster
While it may not have all the bells and whistles that are found in more modern machines but the Moccamaster is still a reliable and reliable device that is sure to never lose its appeal. The method used to brew coffee heats water just above the boiling point, which is ideal for filter coffee because it helps prevent bitterness.
It's energy efficient because the Moccamaster can keep the water at an ideal temperature throughout the making process. Its design makes it easy to clean and disassemble so that the components remain fresh and clean between usages.
When it comes to making 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 block the flow of water. The Moccamaster has a showerhead which sprays grounds evenly to ensure extraction.
The Moccamaster has a further advantage: it is very easy to maintain. It's made of high-end 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 a great option for those who are in search of 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! Coffee Hit has a full range of slow filters for coffee.
3. Wilfa
The Norwegian company Wilfa produces amazing filter coffee machines with a the focus on simplicity, function and great design. Their products showcase Scandinavian minimalism at its best. The Classic Tall Filter Coffee Maker is one such example, it has an intriguing style that makes this automatic maker stand out from the rest. This premium filter coffee maker also exudes confidence and comes with a 5-year guarantee that ensures its longevity.
The design of this brewer makes it simple to set up, fill it with water and then begin brewing. This brewer features a 1 litre removable water tank that is easy to clean. Its pump technology ensures that the entire system is empty every time you brew it, unlike other filter coffee makers that leave water in the system affecting subsequent brews. This allows you to make use of fresh water for each new batch of coffee, ensuring that your coffee will always taste good.
The Classic Plus has a simple but elegant design. It is equipped with a number of useful features, such as a flow control knob that can be adjusted manually (close it for a few minutes to ensure a stronger brew) and an overflow drain within the filter holder and the reminder to clean your appliance, an automatic shut-off, and a drip stopper manual that will prevent spills onto the hotplate. The brewer is able to heat water quickly 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 includes the thermo jug, which is made of stainless steel to keep the coffee at the ideal temperature for drinking. This is a fantastic feature and a major selling point over other filter coffee makers which only keep the coffee warm on a hotplate.
4. Coffeee UK with this top-rated auto drip brewer. The Bonavita Connoisseur is a sleek and minimalist device that is user-friendly. 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 design of the Bonavita is simple and clean and comes with an inbuilt filter holder to keep the filters in place during the brewing process. This prevents any mess that may occur during the process of brewing. The machine comes with showerheads that spread water evenly over the ground. This allows for better extraction of flavors.
The precise control of the temperature of the water is another reason to consider the Bonavita an excellent filter coffee maker. Thermocouple measurements from the brew-basket confirmed that water reached the perfect temperature within minutes. The average internal temperature remained at 194.6 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the brewing process, just changing a few degrees either way.
The Bonavita is, like other programmable coffee makers, can be programmed to begin at a specific time and to set a specific brew period. It can be set to a particular temperature and the size of the brew. This feature lets you only brew one cup at any given time, which can be useful for busy families.
One disadvantage of the Bonavita is that it does not have a pre-infusion function, which enhances flavor by allowing more of the ground coffee to become saturated with water. Furthermore, it is difficult to accurately determine the amount of ground coffee required because various coffees have different densities. The most precise method to determine the amount of grounds is to weigh them on an scale, rather than using the use of a teaspoon.
5. Melitta
From the company which invented filter coffee comes this machine with a number of features to improve your coffee drinking experience. The filter holder has an anti-drip stop to prevent spills while taking the jug out. There's also a handy keep-warm function, so you can take pleasure in your freshly brewed coffee for up to 40 minutes after the brew is complete.
The jug, filter basket and lid are made of high-quality borosilicate crystals. They are easy to clean by hand or in your dishwasher. The epour features a handy LED limescale indicator, so you can determine when you need to descale. This model has an inbuilt bloom setting that allows you to let out CO2 that has been trapped, which can result in an bitter tasting cup.
If you're looking for a device with an extremely small footprint, this is the one. The Aroma Elegance is slightly taller and wider than the Moccamaster but can still fit into a corner due to its angle design. It's easy to operate with just one hand and comes with a clearly laid out selection button layout. The water tank is easily removable, making it easier to fill.
The machine can be programmed to prepare coffee at a particular time. This can save both time and effort as it allows you to awake to a clean hot, warm filter. Aroma Elegance comes with additional features that will improve your brewing experience by allowing you to program water softness, auto-descaling, and 3 settings that keep warm. Melitta uses chlorine-free papers and sustainably sourced materials in its filters. This is evident in their products and packaging that are 100 100% recyclable.