Filter coffee machines and coffee makers

About Filter Coffee Machines

Filter coffee machines, also called filtered coffee makers, are really easy to operate: simply fill the water reservoir, place a filter inside the holder, add ground coffee, and start the machine. The coffee maker will then heat the water, pour it onto the ground coffee, and let your drink drip into the carafe slowly. In approximately 6 minutes, a whole jug of delicious coffee will be ready for you to enjoy!

Filter coffee machine types

Filter coffee machines come in various different types, each catering to distinct preferences and needs. These categories include models equipped with built-in grinders for fresher coffee, those featuring thermal carafes to maintain the optimal temperature, and even appliances incorporating timers for convenient preset brewing.

Filter coffee machines with a grinder

Most filter coffee machines aren’t equipped with built-in grinders, but models with grinders have recently started appearing on the market as well. A solution like this is particularly convenient, given that the tastiest brews are always made using freshly ground coffee.

Melitta filter coffee machines, for example, not only let you enjoy a cup of freshly ground coffee, but also enable users to adjust the strength of the drink so that it matches their preferences. The highly popular Grind&Brew model from the wide range of Philips filter coffee machines on offer boasts this feature too. It’s only a matter of deciding which option suits you and your unique needs better.

Keep in mind that filter coffee machines with a grinder still enable you to go for pre-ground coffee if you ever feel like it, so this solution is extremely versatile.

Filter coffee makers with a thermal carafe

The majority of renowned filter coffee machine brands, such as Moccamaster and Smeg, tend to equip their appliances with glass carafes. While glass isn’t that good at retaining heat, these companies make up for this little drawback by using integrated heating systems. As a result, such coffee makers can keep your drink warm for over 40 minutes. However, if you’re in search of an exceptionally high-quality, shatterproof carafe that maintains the right temperature for even longer, you may want to consider getting a coffee machine with a thermal stainless steel carafe. One of the top choices in this category are Ratio coffee makers, but you can find several excellent options amongst Bosch filter coffee machines too.

Filter coffee machines with a timer

Filter coffee machines with a timer offer some remarkable benefits! Just get your machine ready to brew (fill the reservoir with water and add coffee), then set the time you plan on enjoying your coffee at. Want to have your brew on the table at 7.30 in the morning, just before you head out to work? With the help of the Joy Resolve coffee maker-alarm clock, for example, you can savour a hot cup of coffee right after you wake up! A few other brands, like Melitta and Braun, offer this feature too.

More features of filtered coffee machines

Alongside the unique features discussed above, filter coffee makers boast an array of additional functions designed to enhance the brewing experience. These include a dedicated keep-warm feature, as well as a convenient descaling signal that makes maintenance even easier. Here are a few more important aspects to pay attention to when choosing the best filter coffee machine for home or office use.

Serving size

Most drip coffee makers are equipped with water reservoirs graded based on the number of servings. All you have to do is decide how many servings you need, then pour in the required amount of water. By using the filter at the top of this page, you can select coffee machines with smaller containers (0.2, 0.6 or 1 litre) or opt for larger capacities, ranging from 1.2 to 1.4 litres.

Those seeking even more convenience should look through our selection of Braun coffee makers. These machines let users choose from as many as seven different brewing sizes, from a single cup to a full carafe. With a machine like that, you’ll be able to brew as much coffee as you desire each time.

Keep-warm function

To make your coffee rituals even longer and more enjoyable, take a look at filter coffee machines with the keep-warm function. These appliances boast a hot plate located under the carafe, and are capable of keeping your coffee warm for over 40 minutes (even as long as 2 hours in some cases!). A feature like this is sure to come in handy on lazy Sunday mornings or during lengthy work meetings. You’ll find it in Melitta, Philips or Braun filter coffee machines.

In keeping with the standards set by the ECBC and SCA

For years, filter coffee machines had had a pretty bad rep amongst brewing professionals. This stemmed from high brewing temperatures and lack of flexibility in terms of brewing duration, which often led to burnt beans and bitter flavours.

However, as coffee culture developed and filter coffee machine manufacturers began collaborating with some of the world’s best baristas, new and innovative drip coffee makers were introduced. These machines now adhere to the official brewing requirements set by the ECBC (European Coffee Brewing Centre) and SCA (Specialty Coffee Association), including a brewing temperature of around 92–96 °C and a brewing duration of around 4–6 minutes. Notably, Technivorm and Moccamaster coffee makers are amongst the appliances that meet these strict brewing standards.

Integrated descaling signal

Limescale deposits are behind the majority of coffee machine malfunctions. This might also be due to the fact that many owners of brewing appliances simply forget to descale their machines on time. To address this problem, appliances such as De’Longhi filter coffee machines now come equipped with special descaling signals. These signals are designed to assist you in maintaining smooth operation of your coffee maker and ensuring excellent flavour for years to come.

Descaling signals are also available in a number of Melitta and Braun coffee machine models.

How to clean a filter coffee machine?

When it comes to ensuring consistently delicious brews, maintaining the cleanliness of your filter coffee machine is an absolute necessity. To make regular maintenance even easier, use specialised coffee machine cleaning products.

Descale your filter coffee machine

Cleaning a filter coffee machine isn’t at all difficult, but it has to be done regularly. We’ve already mentioned that limescale deposits are behind most coffee machine malfunctions. That’s why you should descale your appliance every 100 brewing cycles, or once every 3 months at the very least.

Make sure to get rid of excess coffee oils

Coffee contains a fair amount of oils. When you keep brewing coffee day in and day out, these oils eventually turn into oil deposits that cover the walls of the carafe and the filter holder of your coffee maker. To avoid excessive oil buildup, we recommend cleaning the carafe and filter holder regularly—at least once a month. For maximum efficiency, use special coffee machine cleaning tablets. Simply pop a tablet into the carafe, pour water over it, then leave for 10–20 minutes. Afterwards, rinse the carafe well using clean water. Do the same with the filter holder as well.

To conclude…

Hopefully, you’re now much closer to finding the right filter coffee machine for you. However, if you still have questions, remember that Coffee Friend’s consultants are readily available to assist you with any inquiries about coffee or other types of coffee machines you might be eyeing.