The removable 1.25-litre water tank is a nice addition, so you don’t have to fill the carafe from the tap then decant into the machine, and the descaling light reminds you to banish limescale buildup on a regular basis. There’s also a strength adjuster, AromaSelector, on the top of the machine but we found it to be more effective when brewing smaller amounts of coffee – at its full capacity of 10 large cups (125ml) or 15 small cups (85ml) it made little difference to the flavour. Regarding the best type of coffee to use in a coffee filter machine this is completely up to you and is down to taste and preference. Quality can range all the way from bland and stale to award-winning, rich, smooth deliciousness. It’s all in the technique (and having the right tools and beans to begin with). It’s a speedy brewer, too, as you’ll only have to wait a mere six minutes for a full, ten-cup jug of coffee. The hot water element turns off automatically once the 1.25L water tank is empty, while the hot plate remains on to keep coffee hot for 40 minutes. What’s most notable about the hot plate, though, is that it preserves the temperature at around 80 to 85°C and doesn’t impact the coffee as markedly as other hot-plates on alternative filter coffee machines. The Moccamaster stands out as a sleek and sensible choice for consistently great coffee without the hassle. Plunge slowly and steadily, holding the handle with one hand, and the plunger with the other. Don’t plunge too fast or some of the grounds can escape the strainer, or the coffee can spurt out of the spout.

That’s because it uses the pour-over method of brewing, heating water to 92-96˚C in its tank at the top – which takes about a minute – before cascading it over ground coffee and leaving it to saturate for 4-6 minutes. There are actually two settings for the brewing process, a high-quality one and a pour-over, which produce different results. The high quality one produced a more complex flavour in our testing but you may find that the pour-over works better with different grinds and varieties. It’s larger than most machines but doesn’t feel bulky. Instead its design allows the water tank to be easily removed for filling, and the filter holder to swing out from the main unit so adding grounds and discarding them afterwards is straightforward. It also has a larger capacity than most – up to 15 cups – and the ability to set the water hardness. The parts are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. Although filter coffee machines are seen as more simplistic there are many options and features to consider when selecting the ideal fit for your household. Jug typeWhen narrowing down which filter coffee machines to consider you can first look at the type of coffee machine jug that will best suit your needs. Glass jugs are the traditional and most common type of jug, these give great visibility of the coffee in the pot but are prone to breaking if dropped or damaged. Stainless steel coffee jugs however will not break and have the added benefit of keeping your coffee warmer, although most filter coffee machines do also include a heating plate to keep coffee warm. At Melitta we also sell coffee filter machines with insulated jugs, these are ideal if you want to keep your coffee warm for a longer period of time. Timer Function First and foremost coffee typically needs to be ground for a filter coffee machine unless you own a filter coffee maker with a grinder. Any brew method that uses a paper filter does lend itself to lighter or medium roasted coffees as the paper will reduce the amount of oils that pass through into the cup and result in a clean and bright coffee that can highlight more delicate flavours notes that can be found in light roasted coffee.

We like to focus on the pour-over method, which is a more manual style of brewing involving hand-pouring water through coffee and a paper filter. It allows for much better control over the amount of coffee and the overall result. A classic method for brewing tasty coffee, filter is a sure-fire way to get a smooth and highly drinkable cup of the good stuff, with minimum fuss. Russell Hobbs Chester Grind & Brew Filter Coffee Machine: Best grind and brew filter coffee machine Many of our larger filter coffee machines have the function to brew smaller amounts of coffee, 2-5 cups, whilst maintaining the great taste of a full batch. This feature is called AromaControl and only uses half the power to create the same full flavoured perfectly brewed coffee. This function is great for households with varying coffee needs. The best filter coffee machines you can buy in 2023 1. Melitta Look V Timer: Best filter coffee machine

Descaling and Cleaning

Half fill the cafetière with the hot water, pouring it over the grounds, and stir with a spoon, so all the grounds are wet, and submerged in the water. Top up with the rest of the water.

Preference of coffee strength varies between our customers and their households, to ensure we meet all of your needs many of our filter coffee machines include adjustable coffee strength. You can easily switch between mild, medium, and strong, when you want a more or less intense coffee experience. Each coffee strength setting creates a clean, crisp, delicious tasting filter coffee moment. Integrated Grinder The downside is that while it’s made from durable BPA plastic, you will have to clean it by hand and not in the dishwasher. However, as a portable and uncomplicated route to great filter coffee it definitely deserves its name.

Quantity and Quality

For those who want the freshest cup of filter coffee with the least effort, a grind and brew machine may be the answer. These come equipped with an integrated bean hopper and grinder that will produce ground coffee on demand, depositing it directly into the filter basket. Most allow you to adjust the grind from fine to coarse so you can vary the strength and flavour, or you can still use pre-ground coffee. These machines tend to be a little pricier, though. 5. Manual drip coffee maker