The Best Small Filter Coffee Machines
With a clear design for the selection button, easy cleaning and a high-quality feel the filter coffee machine scores well. We did notice that it needs a bit more thought and consideration than the other machines we tried due to its blooming feature as well as the jug-holding system.
The Wilfa Classic is a great addition to any kitchen. It has a separate setting for up to four cups as well as an orientation scale and flow rate regulator to allow continuous adjustment.
1. Melitta Aroma Elegance
This elegant Melitta filter coffee maker has modern, compact design. It can be used with ground coffee and beans. The coffee maker has a 1.25 L water tank that can make up to 10 cups of filter coffee before needing refilling and comes with an anti-drip function.
This machine makes preparing filter coffee easy with the automatic switch-off function as well as the ability to adjust the strength of the coffee by changing the grind size of the beans. The jug can be cleaned in the dishwasher, making it even simpler.
If you want to awake to the scent of freshly brewed filter coffee, the Aroma Elegance Deluxe boasts a useful timer feature that can be set on the LED display to begin making coffee at the time you want it to. The brewer is constructed of high-quality materials that are robust and durable and will give you peace of mind.
The coffee maker comes with simple-to-follow instructions and clearly labeled selection buttons. It is important to remember that the Aroma Elegance deluxe doesn't include a bean grinder built-in. Users will need grind their beans separately prior to using the coffee maker.
To ensure that the machine will last for an extended life span and offers the best flavor possible it is recommended to use filtered water in the machine. In addition it is essential to descale the machine regularly to prevent limescale build-up and to ensure that the machine is operating at its peak performance. The machine is equipped with a 3-in-1 protection system for calcification that includes a programmable setting for water hardness, a calcification indicator to indicate the degree of calcification as well as an automatic descaling program.
2. Breville Aromaboy
This small filter coffee machine can be easily hidden in cabinets. It may look like a toy, but it can produce up to two cups of delicious coffee.
Filter coffee makers are like espresso machines in that they heat water and then pour it over ground coffee. However, unlike manual filter coffee makers electronic ones take the hard work out of brewing by controlling the flow and timing of the water in order to give you the perfect cup of coffee. They also come with additional features that you cannot get with manual filter coffee makers such as programmable start timers and descaling reminders.
The best filter machine for you is all about determining what your needs are. It may be a model with a higher capacity of brewing, so you can brew large batches of filter coffee at one time (perfect if you have guests or are in the office) or one that has a single-cup option. Some models have built-in grinders that you can use to ground your own beans or get them pre-ground from the can.
Another feature that a lot of filter coffee machines are now equipped with is the capability to recreate a 'pour-over' technique which is a manual method of preparing filter coffee. This involves pre-wetting coffee grounds and slowly pouring it over water - this is believed to create a more complex, richer the brew.
Both the Moccamaster and Breville Precision Brewer are great filter machines for those looking to get the best of both worlds. They offer the convenience of an automatic drip coffee machine but with the control of a manual filter brewer. Both come with programmable starting times, so you can set it up to brew coffee at the perfect time for you to wake up. Both come with a permanent coffee filter that means you don't have to buy paper filters.
3. Hario V60
The V60 is a single cup machine that can make one cup. It makes brewing a bit of a ritual. This is why it's so appealing. As you stand at the counter with the kettle that has a gooseneck on one side and a cup of ground beans on the other side, pouring your water in careful circles can be awe-inspiring. Watch for the delicious aromas and blossoms to fill the air. Then, watch the spiraling ridges transform into a river liquid gold.
Hario The Japanese company that is famous for its glass, siphon coffee makers and tea sets introduced this brewer in 2004. It's still in operation after taking over the specialty coffee industry. You'll see it in social media posts and videos including coffee shop conversations, brewing competitions and YouTube videos. It's the go-to device for those who want to showcase the flavor of their coffee and make a fantastic cup every time.
The degree of control you have over the beverage is the reason why the V60 usurped Melitta from its position as the most powerful of pour overs, and it also allows you to experiment with different grind sizes, water temperatures and flow rates. The entire brewing process takes just few minutes, and cleanup is a breeze.
While the V60 is a great choice for any brew enthusiast It's particularly great for those who like making their own cups of coffee at home. If you're interested in experimenting using your own method, there are annual pour-over competitions where baristas come together to compete to craft the most exquisite cup of coffee using this tiny filter coffee maker.
4. Clever Dripper
If you're looking for a simple cheap, reliable, and affordable filter coffee maker The Clever Dripper is a great option. It's simple to use, makes delicious coffee, and is easy to clean. It is also very durable, and can withstand many abuses.
The Clever Dripper is a hybrid immersion/percolation brewer that brings the best of both worlds to one convenient, portable package. It utilizes an immersion technique similar to the French Press and the new-fangled Aeropress. However it has a valve that prevents the ground coffee from spilling to the bottom. Once the coffee is ready you can place it in your cup or server and then open the valve to allow the coffee to drip.
Once you've learned the basics, the Clever Dripper will be almost automatic. Then, you can concentrate on other aspects, like the coffee-to water ratio or the time for steeping. With a little practice you'll be able to make the perfect cup coffee every time.
The Clever Dripper is available in several different sizes and colors, but we suggest getting the larger size because it can accommodate your favorite cup. It's also made of BPA free Eastman Tritan plastic and comes with a set of 100 filters. It has a slightly outdated appearance, but it's extremely durable and practical. It's a great option for those who would like to experiment with pouring over but doesn't want the money for a dedicated brewery. It can also be used as an alternative to a French press for those who are not used to the art of making a pour. The results are astonishingly stable and well-balanced.
5. Kalita Wave
The stainless steel Kalita Wave brewer is a ideal choice for those who are planning to bring pour-over brewers on camping trips, or have a small space in the kitchen. Its flat bottom and three extraction holes ensure an even brew. The wavy filter design minimizes contact between the ground and the dripper, preventing astringent flavor.
The name of this coffee maker gets its inspiration from the horizontal ridges that resemble waves down its walls. The ridges evenly distribute the grounds and reduce the chance of channeling. Channeling is a problem that occurs when hot water travels through the coffee grounds too fast and results in an unbalanced extraction. The wavy design of the filter helps reduce contact between the coffee and the dripper, further preventing channeling.
As with other manual pour over brewers, the Kalita Wave requires precision when adding water to ensure an even the brewing. It is recommended to aim for a ratio of 14.5-16 (ml):1 (g). This is generally believed to be the optimal amount of water for pouring over, however there are some coffee experts who believe that a higher ratio might cause more bitterness.
It may take a while to master your pour-over technique to get the best coffee from the Kalita Wave if you're a beginner. Once you've got it down, this small coffee machine will impress your guests. While the $30 Kalita Wave 155 can make incredible cups of coffee but to make the most of its power will require a top bean grinder, a fancy kettle and an appropriate scale. It's no wonder that this simple-looking brewer has a cult following among professional baristas as well as nerdy home coffee lovers.