Best Filter Coffee Machine
A drip filter machine is a great option if you want a coffee maker to make filter coffee without fuss. They are easy to use, affordable and make a great cup of coffee.
The machine is sleek, aesthetically pleasing and has large showerheads that agitate the ground with ease. The water tank is not labeled and feels cheap.
1. Easy to clean
Cleaning isn't normally an element in our ratings but we considered this, because coffee makers are often used and are difficult to clean thoroughly. We looked at the number of nooks, crannies, and components on each machine. We also looked at how it was easy to remove and clean the machine. It is easier to maintain machines with less parts however they should be cleaned frequently in order to avoid an accumulation of oil and bad smells.
Some filter machines feature a digital display and a timer feature. Others make use of glass caravelles that have permanent gold-toned filters to reduce the amount of plastic waste. Some come with warming tray to keep your coffee warm for long hours after brewing. The Zojirushi is one example. It comes with a filter that can be reused to reduce waste paper and has convenient markings to take the guesswork out of adding the correct amount of water.
Some machines allow you to select between ground or pods coffee. Pods are more efficient and accelerate the brewing process however they can also be expensive over the course of time. Ground coffee is a cheaper alternative, and allows for more customization with different blends and strengths.
This machine is front loading. It's a nice feature. It also has a huge digital display that is easier to read than smaller numbers on some other models. The water tank is decorated with prominent ridges, which are not very comfortable to hold and detracts from the overall design. The tank also doesn't have any the marks of cup or ounce on the reservoir, so you'll have to measure your water with care.
2. Easy to maintain

A steaming pot of filter coffee is a simple pleasure, but brewing it at home requires a bit of effort. In this case, preparing the beans isn't the only thing to do. You also need to clean the machine and replace filters as necessary. Drip filter machines use an extraction process that is slow by pouring water over the grounds for three-to-four minutes to create a more mellow mouthfeel than espresso. They require less maintenance than espresso machines or single-serve machines.
However, they still need a regular clean and the periodic replacement of parts like a water tank or carafe which can be a challenge as some models have parts that are hard to reach or require additional tools to remove. Find a filtering machine that has a removable reservoir to allow for easier cleaning and filling. A lot of models have an enduring, washable filter, or a basket that can be used for disposable paper filters. Some models only require one button to begin brewing, while others come with a more complicated menu system that can make it difficult for new users to understand.
The Moccamaster KBG Select is an amazing machine that ticks all the boxes in terms of ease of use. The sleek design blends industrial design with thoughtful features like a copper heating component to brew your coffee at the ideal temperature (92-96C) and bringing out the best flavors from your beans. It's available in a variety of eye-catching colours and fits perfectly on the counter however it takes up some space.
Russell Hobbs CM8 is another user-friendly alternative. It has a small footprint that can produce up to 15 cups and utilizes a hot plate to keep the coffee warm for an hour. The manual was a bit hazy with some symbols that were hard to comprehend. However the controls are simple to master after a few attempts.
3. Easy to clean
Unlike espresso machines that brew more dense coffee in fewer than 30 seconds filter coffee makers depend on a more slow extraction. The resultant drink is lighter and less bitter.
filter drip coffee maker with hot water will result in a buildup of residue. It is important to wash your machine regularly to avoid a burning smell or taste.
This machine was designed to be user-friendly. Its vibrant colors will be the first thing you see upon waking and could even inspire you to make your morning cup of coffee. We particularly like the permanent gold-tone filter which will save you money and the labels on the filter for half carafe as well as full carafe and single cups to take all the confusion out of measuring coffee grounds and water.
We were however put off by the plastic tank that's hidden in the back. The ridges make it hard to pour, and they may also splash water onto the grounds of the coffee or inside the chamber that is used for brewing. This makes it easy to miss a full carafe while refilling.
Luckily the tank can be removed and is dishwasher safe which makes it one of the easiest models to clean. This machine is also easy to use and has a minimalist design. This is a great option for those in need of an affordable, reliable filter coffee maker. It can brew up to four mugs of decent size from a carafe that is full and makes use of paper filters. Its price is a bit on the high side, but if you're looking for a cheap filter coffee maker that doesn't sacrifice features, this is a good option.
4. It is simple to make
The top filter coffee makers make delicious coffee and are simple to use. They come with an easy control panel as well as a clear display, so you know the amount of coffee and water you need to add, as well as when to descale. They also work with ground coffee as well as pre-ground coffee, which allows you more flexibility with flavors and blends. They tend to be less expensive than pod-based machines over time, too.
You can program some filter coffee machines to make your morning cup of joe prior to waking up. Some models come with a built-in grinder that lets you grind your own beans. You can also adjust the coarseness. A majority of them can produce large amounts of coffee to feed individuals or the entire family.
One model that's an absolute pleasure to use is the Smeg Drip Coffee Maker. It's a retro-looking device that makes reliable filter coffee. The filter is reusable, making it easy to clean. The glass carafe appears like a vintage diner coffeepot. It also comes with a 60-minute warmer that will keep your coffee hot for up to an hour. The controls are simple to learn however, it takes some practice. The toggle on the side to set the clock feels clunky and the indicator lights are difficult to see in the early morning sun.
You can brew the filter coffee you want in just eight minutes using the Oxo. The Oxo's brewing process is automated and includes a bloom cycle, which saturates the grounds with water and a short pause for them to absorb the water. The next step is a stage of brewing where hot water is passed over the grounds in a five-minute cycle. The coffee is smooth and robust with a hint sweetness. It doesn't come with a timer or a way to program the brew strength. However, it's simple to use and has a stylish look that looks great in your kitchen.
5. Easy to clean
Filter coffee makers are different from espresso machines, that brew a more dense coffee within 30 seconds, utilize longer extraction times to give more fruity, lighter mouthfeel. John Lewis has seen a 295 percent increase in searches for these types of machines this year. This suggests that they are becoming a popular alternative to pods or bean-to-cup systems.
Some models come with a thermal jug or hot plate to keep your coffee warm once it's been made. They're generally less complicated than bean-to-cup or pod machines and can be operated by anyone who already has a basic understanding of how to operate one.
Some filter coffee machines come with their own filter that is reusable and helps to reduce the cost of paper, while some allow you to use your own instant or pre-ground coffee. You can also select between a manual or automatic operation, and a variety of settings including the temperature, brew strength and the size of the batch from a cup to an entire pot.
You can find filter coffee machines that have retro or colourful designs, in case you like that look. For example this model from Smeg has a playful bulbous shape and comes in a variety of bright hues. The only downside is its bigger footprint could be more prone to taking up counter space than some other machines.
The most affordable models are usually made from plastic, while the more expensive models tend to be stainless steel or feature a ceramic finish. Ceramic finishes last longer and offer an elegant feel than plastic. Look through the instruction manual of the manufacturer for instructions on how to care for the components. Also, note whether they can be washed in the dishwasher or hand. There should also be a description of how it is simple to disassemble and rebuild the machine.