The Best Small Filter Coffee Machines
With a simple design for the selection button, easy cleaning and a high-quality feel the filter coffee machine performs well. We did find it takes some more thought and attention than some of the others we looked at due to its blooming feature as well as the jug-holding system.
The Wilfa Classic is a great addition to any kitchen. It comes with a set-up for one to four cups, and also an orientation scale and flow rate regulator that allows for continuous adjustment.
1. Melitta Aroma Elegance
This stylish Melitta filter coffee maker has an elegant, compact design. It is compatible with ground coffee and beans. The coffee maker comes with a 1.25 L water tank that can produce up to 10 cups of filter coffee before having to be filled and has an anti-drip function.
The machine makes it easy to prepare filter coffee using its automatic shut-off feature, as well as the ability of adjusting the strength of the coffee by a change in the size of the ground beans. The jug is also dishwasher-safe which makes cleaning it easier.
Aroma Elegance Deluxe has a timer function that can be set to start making a particular time as indicated on the LED display. The brewer is constructed of high-quality materials and is sturdy and durable, providing peace of mind.
The coffee maker is simple to use thanks to the clearly labelled selection buttons and easy-to-follow instructions. It is important to note that the Aroma Elegance deluxe does not include a bean grinder built-in. Users will have to grind the beans separately prior to using the coffee maker.
To ensure that the machine has an extended life span and offers the best flavor it is recommended to use water that has been filtered in the machine. Descale the machine regularly to avoid limescale buildup, and ensure that it is performing at its best. Coffeee UK comes with a 3-in-1 calc-protection system that includes a programmable setting to regulate water hardness, an indicator to indicate the degree of calcification as well as an automatic descaling program.
2. Breville Aromaboy
This tiny filter coffee maker can be easily hidden in the cabinet. However, despite its flimsy appearance, it is able to prepare up to two cups of delicious coffee.
Like espresso machines, filter coffee makers work by heating up water and pouring it over ground coffee in the form of a filter. However, unlike manual filter coffee makers that use electricity, they take the hassle out of brewing by regulating the flow and timing of the water in order to give you the perfect cup of coffee. They also offer extra functions that you cannot get with a manual filter coffee maker like programmable start times and reminders for descaling.
Finding the right filter machine for you is all about determining what your requirements are. It could be a machine that has a larger maximum brew volume, so you can brew large batches of filter coffee all at one time (perfect if you have guests or in the office), or a model that comes with the option of brewing in a single cup. Some models have an integrated grinder which you can use to grind your own beans, or buy pre-ground from the can.
Another feature that many filter coffee machines are now equipped with is the capability to recreate a pour-over technique, which is a manual method of making filter coffee. This involves pre-wetting the coffee grounds, then slowly pouring over water - this is claimed to produce a 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 but with the control of a manual filter brewer. Both come with programmable start times, allowing you to set it up to make coffee at the ideal time to get up. Both have an in-built coffee filter that means you don't have to buy paper ones.
3. Hario V60
Contrary to an automatic drip coffee maker, the V60 is focused on single cups. It makes the process of brewing a bit of a ritual. This is what makes it so attractive. While you're sitting at the counter with an uni-directional kettle in one hand and a cup of ground beans on the other, pouring your water in precise circles can be mesmerizing. Wait for the luscious scents and the bloom to fill the air. Then, watch the ridges spiral into a liquid gold river.
Hario is a Japanese company renowned for its glass tea sets, coffee makers and siphon coffee makers, launched this brewer in 2004. It was a hit in the specialty coffee market by storm, and is still going strong to this day. You'll see it in social media posts and videos, coffee shop conversations, brewing competitions and YouTube videos. It's the go-to device for anyone who wants to showcase the flavor of their coffee and make a fantastic cup every time.
The level 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 gives you the opportunity to play around 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 great for any brew enthusiast but it's especially great for those who like to make their own cups of coffee at home. There are competitions every year for pour-overs where baristas compete to create the best cup of coffee with this small filter machine.
4. Clever Dripper
The Clever Dripper makes a great filter coffee maker if are looking for something simple affordable, reliable, and cost-effective. It is easy to use, produces delicious coffee and is simple to clean. It is also very durable and can take a lot of 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 has a valve to prevent the ground coffee from spilling out at the bottom. Once the coffee is ready, simply place it in your server or cup to open the valve and allow the coffee to flow through the standard Melitta filter.
Once you've mastered the basics of the Clever Dripper, the process will become almost automatic and you can focus on other aspects of your brewing experience, like the ratio of coffee to water or the time to steep. With some practice you'll be able make the perfect cup coffee every time.
Clever Drippers are available in various sizes and colors. We prefer the larger size since it can fit in your favorite mug. It's also made from BPA free Eastman Tritan plastic and comes with a set of 100 filters. It has a slightly outdated look, but it is extremely durable and practical. It's an excellent choice for those who want an alcoholic drink but doesn't have the money to purchase an expensive beer maker. It could also serve as a forgiving French press for people who are new to the technique. The results are surprisingly even and balanced.
5. Kalita Wave
The stainless steel Kalita Wave brewer is a excellent option for those seeking to take an over-the-top brewer on camping trips or have a small space in the kitchen. Its flat bottom with three holes for extraction makes it possible to make a consistent drink, while its wavy filter design minimizes contact between the grounds and the dripper to prevent astringent flavors.
The name of this coffee maker gets its inspiration from the horizontal ridges that resemble waves that run down its walls. The ridges help to evenly distribute the coffee grounds while decreasing the possibility of channeling. Channeling is a complication that occurs when hot water travels through the coffee grounds too quickly and results in an unbalanced extraction. The wavy shape of the filter can help minimize contact between the coffee and the dripper, further preventing channeling.
The Kalita Wave, like other manual pour-over brewers, needs precision when adding the water to ensure the same drink. You should strive for a ratio of 14.5-16 (ml):1 (g). This is generally believed to be the ideal amount of water for pour over, although there are some coffee professionals who believe that a higher ratio might cause more bitterness.
If you're new to pour over, it may take some time to perfect your technique and make an optimal brew using the Kalita Wave. Once you've got it down this tiny coffee maker will delight your guests. The $30 Kalita Wave 155 is capable of producing a delicious cup of coffee, but to harness its full potential, you'll require a high-quality grinder along with a glitzy pot, and a scale. It's no surprise that this brewer with a simple design is a favorite among baristas, coffee lovers who are nerdy and professional baristas.