The Best Small Filter Coffee Machines
This filter coffee maker is a great option due to its easy-to-clean design, high quality feel, and easy button selection. We did find it takes some more thought and care than the other machines we tested, because of its blooming feature as well as the jug-holding system.
However however, the Wilfa Classic is a swoon-inducing piece for any kitchen. It has a dedicated one-to-four-cup set-up and an adjustable flow rate regulator that has an adjustable orientation scales for continuous adjustment.
1. Melitta Aroma Elegance
This stylish filter coffee machine by Melitta offers a compact and modern design and is compatible with ground coffee as well as beans. The coffee maker comes with an 1.25 L water tank that can make up to 10 cups of filter coffee before it needs to be refilled and features an anti-drip feature.
This machine also makes making filter coffee easy with its automatic switch-off function and the ability to adjust the strength of coffee by altering the grind size of the beans. The jug can be cleaned in the dishwasher, making it more convenient.
For those who wish 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 brewing at the desired time. The brewer is constructed from high-quality materials that are durable and robust providing you with peace of mind.
The coffee maker also comes with easy-to-follow instructions and clearly labeled selection buttons. It is crucial to keep in mind that the Aroma Elegance Deluxe does not come with a built-in bean grinder. Users will need grind their beans separately before using the coffee maker.
It is recommended to make use of filtered water to ensure that the machine lasts for a long time and is a great taste. Descale the machine regularly to avoid limescale buildup and to ensure that it is performing at its best. To aid in this, the machine comes with three-in-one calc protection, which includes a programmable water hardness setting and an indicator to show the level of calcification as well as an automatic descaling program.
2. Breville Aromaboy
This adorable filter coffee maker is so small that it is able to be tucked away in a cupboard. Despite its adorable appearance, it is able to make up to two cups of delicious coffee.
Filter coffee makers are similar to espresso machines in that they heat the water and then pour it over ground coffee. But unlike manual filter coffee brewers electronic ones take the hassle out of brewing by controlling the flow and timing of the water to get you the perfect cup of coffee. These coffee makers also have additional features not available with manual filter coffee makers, for instance timers that can be programmed and descaling alerts.
The best filter coffee maker is all about finding the one that is suited to your needs. This might mean choosing one with a bigger capacity for brewing so that you can make a huge batch of filter coffee at once (perfect for guests or the office) or selecting a model with an easy single-cup function. Some models come with a built in grinder which you can use to ground your own beans or get them pre-ground from the can.
Many filter coffee machines can replicate a pour-over technique which is a traditional manual method of making filter coffee. This involves pre-wetting coffee grounds prior to slowly pouring water over them. This is believed to result in an even more rich, complex the brew.
Both the Moccamaster & Breville Precision Brewer are great filter machines for anyone looking for the best of both worlds. They combine the ease of an automatic drip coffee maker, with the control of the manual filter brewer. Both come with programmable start times, which means you can set them up to brew your coffee at just the right time for when you wake up. Both have a permanent filter, which means you don't have to purchase paper filters.
3. Hario V60
The V60 is a single-cup machine that can make one cup. It makes brewing somewhat of ritual. This is what makes it so appealing. When you're at the counter with an uni-directional kettle in one hand and a cup of ground beans on the other, pouring your water in careful circles can be fascinating. Take a moment to admire the beautiful bloom and the aromas to be released and fill the air, and then continue to watch the ridges spiral into a river of liquid gold as it makes its way into your cup.
Hario, a Japanese company known for its glass tea sets, coffee makers and siphon coffee makers, released this brewer back in 2004. It took the specialty coffee industry by storm, and is still going strong to this day. You'll see it in videos and social media posts, coffee shop conversations, competitions for brewing and YouTube videos. It's the go-to device for anyone who wants to showcase the flavor of their specialty coffee and create an amazing cup every time.
The V60 is the most effective pour-over as it gives you more control over the beer. You can also play with different grind sizes and temperatures. The entire brewing process takes just few minutes, and cleanup is easy.
While the V60 is great for any brew lover, it's especially perfect for those who want making their own cups of coffee at home. If you're looking to experiment with your own method, there's a regular pour-over competitions that bring baristas together to compete to create the most perfect cup of coffee using this tiny filter coffee maker.
4. Clever Dripper
The Clever Dripper makes a great filter coffee maker if are looking for something simple that is reliable and affordable. It's simple to use, produces delicious coffee, and is easy to clean. It's also extremely robust and can withstand quite some abuse.
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 comes with a valve to prevent the ground coffee from spilling to the bottom. Once the coffee is ready, you simply place it on top of your server or cup to open the valve and allow the coffee to drip through a standard Melitta filter.
Once you've mastered the basics, the Clever Dripper will be almost automatic. You can then focus on other aspects, such as the coffee-to water ratio or the time to steep. You can make the perfect cup every time, with a some practice.
The Clever Dripper is available in various sizes and colors. However, we suggest getting the larger size because it will fit in your favorite cup. It is also made of BPA-free Eastman Tritan and comes with 100 filters. It has a slightly outdated design, but is very durable and functional. It's a great option for those who would like to try a pour-over but doesn't want to spend the money for a dedicated Brewer. It can also serve as an French press for those who are not used to the art of making a pour. The results are astonishingly stable and balanced.
5. Kalita Wave
The stainless steel Kalita Wave brewer is a ideal option for those looking to bring pour-over brewers for camping trips, or are confined in the kitchen. Its flat bottom and three extraction holes ensure an even brew. The wavy design of the filter reduces contact between the ground and the dripper and prevents astringent flavors.
The horizontal ridges that run along the walls of this machine gave it the name. The ridges help to evenly distribute the coffee grounds while decreasing the possibility of channeling. Channeling is a problem that occurs when hot water travels through the grounds of coffee too quickly which results in an unbalanced extraction. The wavy design of the filter helps to minimize contact between the dripper and the coffee, further preventing channeling.
As with other manual pour over brewers, the Kalita Wave requires precision when adding water to ensure an even drink. A ratio of 14.5-16 ml/1 g is recommended. Coffeee is the recommended ratio for pour-over coffee, but some coffee professionals believe that a higher ratio may result in bitterness.
If you're new to pour over, it might take a while to perfect your technique and create an optimal brew using the Kalita Wave. Once you've mastered it, this tiny filter coffee maker is guaranteed to impress any guests. The $30 Kalita Wave 155 is capable of producing a delicious cup of coffee, but to realize its full potential, you'll require a grinder that is good, a fancy pot, and a scale. It's no surprise that this basic brewer is a favorite among baristas, nerdy coffee enthusiasts and professional baristas.