The best filter coffee maker is one that produces an intense, delicious cup of coffee each time. It allows the grounds to absorb the water to the right temperature and bloom before continuing the brewing cycle.
It comes with a variety of brewing options and different coffee strengths. It has a removable filter and grinder that are top rack dishwasher-safe. It also has a transparent window so you can monitor the amount of water that is in the reservoir.
1. Customizable
For some who are coffee- or espresso maker isn't just a mere appliance; it's a way of making mornings a bit more enjoyable. The top filter coffee machines allow you to make your coffee according to your personal preferences, such as tweaking the strength of the coffee or changing the temperature of the water to suit the specific blend or bean. Some models allow you to alter the brew process to make it more efficient for a specific kind of roast or batch size.
Some of the top models we tested have additional features, like an adjustable timer, milk frothing capability, or smart controls that integrate with apps on your smartphone or tablet. While these are great features to have, the overall quality of a coffee maker boils down to the quality of its most basic task of brewing the best filter coffee at home.
The winner of our Best Value category which was the Black+Decker DLX1050B, is an excellent example of how a fairly inexpensive model can still outperform more expensive alternatives available. The model is equipped with a wide range of standard features, including the brew program and timer as well as a setting for the strength of coffee, and an automatic cup warmer that keeps the coffee at the perfect serving temperature for up to two hours.
If you're looking to take it further, take a look at some of the semiautomatic or fully automated espresso and coffee machines that are on our list. While they can be more troublesome than their pod-based counterparts but these machines give you lots of control over the quality and flavor of your beverage. Semiautomatic machines are great for those who love espresso. You can load the portafilter by hand and decide when to pull the shot.
If you really want to enjoy a professional cup of coffee or espresso look into the Miele CM5300. This premium countertop model can handle everything from simple drip pots to back-to-back shots of espresso due to its unique design and intuitive touch controls. The unique block of metal that heats the brew basket and reservoir independently from the steam arm eliminates the risk of water reaching an unintentionally high temperature or burning the beans and it can handle different quantities of brew at the same time.
2. Convenient
For coffee drinkers who enjoy a bit more control, we came across one maker that lets you set the exact temperature of the water and brew strength. The showerhead is wide and ensures an even and steady agitation, which is vital for getting the best flavor out of your beans. Its hopper holds a half-pound of beans and includes six settings for grinding. The clear window allows you to check the water level in a short time, and the filter is removable, and grinder can be cleaned by the dishwasher's top rack. This machine was awarded the Golden Cup Award by the Specialty Coffee Association. This assures the proper balance of water and beans is used, as as the correct brewing temperature. It is equipped with a built-in timer as well as an auto shut-off programable.
Other models let you make multiple cups at once This is great if you're entertaining or simply don't want to have refilling a pot every few minutes. Certain models have a drip tray that removes the need for a separate one. These pod-based machines can be practical however our test subjects discovered that ground beans are more manageable and cheaper in the long term than pods.
There are three types of semiautomatic, fully automated and manual. Manuals require the user to pull and steam manually the espresso shot. Semiautomatics require you to fill the portafilter manually and then decide when to stop making the espresso shot. This provides you with a barista experience but it's messy and consumes a lot of time. Full-automatics can produce cafe-worthy beverages at the touch of one button. However, they are more expensive than other types.
3. Reliable
One of the most important features of a good espresso and coffee maker is consistent brewing temperature. According to Cotter, a machine that reaches and maintains the ideal temperature of 185-205 degrees Fahrenheit will guarantee proper extraction and prevent scorching of the grounds. This is the reason he ranked Cuisinart CCMF700 above other models in our test that were more expensive.
In addition to temperature, the type of water used by brewers can also affect the taste. Hard water, which has high levels of dissolved minerals like magnesium and calcium, tends to build up more quickly in machines and require more frequent decaling, whereas soft or filtered water can improve the flavor and lessen the buildup of minerals.
A dependable Best filter machine must be user-friendly and have a clear interface regardless of whether it's using ground coffee or pods. This is especially critical when you'll be using the machine frequently or have house guests. The Cuisinart CCMF700's digital display is easy to read and has intuitive icons, making it simple to set and monitor the brewing time. It comes with a removable tank to make refilling easy and an easy-to-read indicator that lets you know when it's full.
A top filter coffee maker should also have a good heat retention. The Cuisinart CCMF700 performed well in this test, keeping the hotness of its water for over four hours after completing a cycle. Its carafe and brewing basket can be cleaned in the sink or in the dishwasher, and the coffeemaker has a rinse and descale cycle.
There are three types of espresso makers and coffee makers: manual, semiautomatic, and fully automatic. Manual machines require you to pull a lever to create pressure, so you are more in control and have a barista-like experiences, but they can be messy and time consuming. Semiautomatic machines allow you to fill a portafilter by hand however they stop the flow of espresso water when it's done. This prevents over-extraction. They tend to be cheaper than super-automatic or fully automatic models.
4. Affordability
The Cuisinart CM-10 is a simple, low-maintenance filter coffee maker. It makes great tasting coffee. It has a hopper which holds half a pound of beans, and six settings to grind the coffee. This lets you make the perfect cup every time. The CM-10 also offers digitally displayed water levels, which means you won't need to constantly lean over the machine to see the amount left. The carafe is also equipped with thermal coating, which means the coffee will be hot for hours.
Take a look at the Breville Spinn if you're looking for a coffee maker that is high-tech and can be programmed with an application. The pint-sized machine does not use the steamer or filter basket for espresso shots. Instead, it spins a centrifuge to replicate different brewing styles including pour-over. The machine can be programmed to create coffee at a particular time and can accommodate one cup of beans. It also connects to Alexa and Google Home, so you can start your machine using voice commands or even set it to make coffee at a certain time.
Another option that is reasonably priced is the iKettle from Italian coffee company Illy. The sleek, small and compact machine brews both regular ground coffee as well as pods that can be used to make cold brew, too. The water level was clearly visible on the tank and the reservoir needs to be refilled only every three or four months. The iKettle can also be set on a counter and doesn't look a clunky eye-sore.
The Nespresso Inissia may be expensive however it's a top-quality filter machine that is worth the extra money for those who are committed to their coffee. It was awarded the Golden Cup by the Specialty Coffee Association for its outstanding coffee, which is perfectly balanced in terms of water to coffee ratio and temperature. This model features a large showerhead that makes sure the coffee grounds are thoroughly saturated and agitated. You can also select between two different brew strengths options to create the perfect cup.
