The Best Small Filter Coffee Machines
This filter coffee maker is a great option due to its easy-to-clean design, premium feel and clear button selection. It does require a little more thought and consideration than some of the other models we tested due to its blooming system and jug-holding system.
The Wilfa Classic is a great addition to any kitchen. It has a dedicated one- to four-cup setting as well as an adjustable flow rate regulator that has an orientation scale for continuous adjustment.
1. Melitta Aroma Elegance
The stylish Melitta filter coffee machine features an elegant, compact design. It works with both ground coffee and beans. The coffee maker comes with a 1.25 L water tank that can make up to 10 cups of filter coffee before it needs refilling and comes with an anti-drip feature.
The machine makes it simple to prepare filter coffee with its automatic shut-off feature, as well as the capability of adjusting the strength of the coffee by a increase in the size of the ground beans. The container can be cleaned in the dishwasher, making it more convenient.
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 brewing at the desired time. The brewer is constructed of premium materials and is strong and durable, offering peace of mind.
The coffee maker also comes with clear instructions that are easy to follow and clearly labeled selection buttons. However, it is important to know that the Aroma Elegance Deluxe does not come with a built-in grinder. users must grind their beans separately prior to using the machine.
To ensure that the machine has an extended life span and offers the best flavor possible it is recommended to use filtered water in the machine. Descale the machine on a regular basis to prevent limescale buildup and to ensure that it is working at its best. To help with this, the machine is equipped with 3-in-1 calc protection which includes a programmable water hardness setting, as well as an indicator to show the level of calcification and an automatic descaling programme.
2. Breville Aromaboy
This tiny coffee maker can be tucked away easily in a cabinet. However, despite its flimsy appearance, it can reliably prepare up to two cups of delicious coffee.
Like espresso machines Filter coffee makers function by heating up water and pouring it over ground coffee in the form of a filter. Electric filter coffee makers take the hard work of brewing out of your hands by controlling the flow of water and time required to prepare. They also offer extra functions that aren't available with the manual filter coffee maker like programmable start times and reminders for descaling.
The best filter machine for you is about determining what your needs are. This could mean selecting the model with a higher max brew volume so you can make a big batch of filter coffee at one time (perfect for guests or the office) or choosing a model that has an easy single-cup function. Some models will even have a built-in grinder, which you can use to grind freshly-ground beans or even pre-ground coffee from a can.
Another feature that a lot of filter coffee machines now come with is the capability to recreate a "pour-over" technique which is a method that manuals use for preparing filter coffee. This involves pre-wetting coffee grounds and slowly pouring it over water - this is said to result in more complex, richer the brew.
Both the Moccamaster and Breville Precision Brewer are great filter machines for those looking for the best of both worlds. They combine the ease of an automatic drip coffee machine with the control of the manual filter brewer. Both have programmable starting times, so you can program them to make your coffee at exactly the right time for when you wake up. Both have a long-lasting filter too, which means you don't need paper filters.
3. Hario V60
The V60 is a single-cup machine with a single cup. It makes the process of brewing a bit of an experience. That's what makes it so attractive. Pouring water in circles while holding an ice-cream maker and an iced coffee is awe-inspiring. Take a moment to admire the beautiful bloom and let the aromas emanate and fill the air, and then continue to watch the ridges spiral into a raging river of liquid gold as it flows 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 was a hit in the specialty coffee market by storm, and is still in operation today. You'll find it featured in social media posts as well as YouTube videos, competitions in brewing, as well as coffee shop conversations. It's the best choice for those who want to showcase the flavor of their specialty coffee and create a stunning 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 only few minutes, and cleanup is easy.
While the V60 is great for anyone who loves brewing but it's especially great for those who like to brew their own single cups of coffee at home. If you're keen on experimenting using your own method, there are yearly pour-over competitions where baristas come together to compete to make the best cup of coffee using this small filter coffee machine.
4. Clever Dripper
The Clever Dripper makes a great filter coffee maker if want something simple affordable, reliable, and cost-effective. It's user-friendly, brews delicious coffee, and cleans up easily. 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 uses the method of immersion similar to the French Press or new-fangled Aeropress, but it has an extra valve that will stop your ground coffee from spilling out at the bottom. When the coffee is ready, you can put it in your server or cup, and then close the valve to allow the coffee to drip.
Once you've learned the fundamentals of the Clever Dripper, the process will become almost automatic and you can concentrate on other aspects of your brewing experience, like the ratio of coffee to water or the time for steeping. With some practice you'll be able to make the perfect cup coffee every time.
The Clever Dripper is available in several different sizes and colors. However, we suggest getting the larger one because it can accommodate your favorite cup. It is also made of BPA-free Eastman Tritan and comes with 100 filters. It has a somewhat dated look, but the product is very functional and robust. It's a great option for those who would like to try a pour over but doesn't want to spend the money on a dedicated brewer. It could also serve as a forgiving French press for newcomers to the process. The results are surprisingly stable and balanced.
5. Kalita Wave
The stainless steel Kalita Wave brewer is a great choice for those planning to bring pour-over brewers on camping trips or have limited space in the kitchen. Its flat bottom and three extraction holes ensure an even brew. The wavy filter design minimizes contact between the dripper and the ground which prevents the flavor from becoming astringent.
The horizontal ridges that run along the walls of this coffeemaker gave it its name. The ridges help to evenly distribute the coffee grounds, while decreasing the possibility of channeling. Channeling is a problem that occurs when the hot water is pushed through the grounds of coffee at a rapid rate, leading to an unbalanced extraction. The wavy design of the filter helps to limit contact between the coffee and the dripper, further preventing channeling.
The Kalita Wave, like other manual pour-over brewers, requires precise addition of water to ensure an even beverage. 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 to pouring over, however there are some coffee experts who believe that a higher ratio might cause more bitterness.
If you're a novice at pouring over, it might take a while to perfect your technique and achieve the perfect brew using the Kalita Wave. Once you've got it down the small coffee maker will amaze your guests. The $30 Kalita Wave 155 is capable of producing delicious coffee, but to realize its full potential, you'll require a grinder that is good, a fancy pot, and a scale. It's no wonder this basic brewer has a cult following among professional baristas and nerdy java amateurs.