10 Best Filter Coffee Machines

Buying guide

Do you need help determining which filter coffee machine is best for you? With our buying guide, you can learn more about what to look for.

Consider the amount of coffee you intend to brew at once. Coffee machines come in various sizes, ranging from single-cup machines to those that can brew up to 14 cups. Select a machine that aligns with the needs of your household.

The following chart shows how the capacity (number of cups) is distributed across the filter coffee machines:

Opt for a coffee machine that brews at the ideal temperature, typically around 90°C to 96°C, to extract the best flavors from your coffee grounds.

However, not all coffee machines specify at which temperature they brew the coffee.

Filter coffee machines typically have a glass- or thermal carafe. Glass carafes are affordable and keep coffee warm with a heating plate. In contrast, thermal carafes retain heat without a heating element, which can be more energy-efficient.

The following diagram shows the type of coffee jug distribution across filter coffee machines.

Thermal carafe advantages

• Heat retention: Thermal carafes keep coffee hot for a more extended period without the need for a heating plate, which can affect the coffee’s flavor.
• Energy efficiency: They are energy-efficient since they don’t require a heating element, reducing electricity consumption.
• Portability: Thermal carafes are generally designed to be portable, allowing you to carry them to the table or serve coffee without returning to the coffee machine.
• Durable: They are less prone to breakage compared to glass carafes.

You can find the best coffee machines with thermal carafes here.

Glass carafe advantages

• Visibility: Glass carafes allow you to see how much coffee is left, making it easy to determine when it’s time for a refill.
• Cost: Glass carafes are usually more affordable than thermal carafes.
• Ease of cleaning: They are generally easier to clean because they can be washed in the dishwasher.

Filter coffee machines are available at various price points. Set a budget and choose a machine that meets your needs without overspending. Remember that more expensive models may include more features and better build quality.

The price for the filter coffee machines ranges from £25 to £259. The price distribution among the models on our list can be seen in the following chart:

If you’re looking for an affordable filter coffee machine, consider one of the five most cost-effective options:

Consider whether you want a coffee machine with a built-in grinder. Freshly ground beans can significantly enhance the flavor of your coffee.

The main advantages of picking a filter coffee machine with a built-in grinder are:

• Customization: The grind size, coffee strength, and brewing time of your coffee beans can be easily adjusted with most models, giving you complete control over the flavor and strength of your coffee.
• Taste: Grinding just before brewing preserves the coffee’s natural aroma and flavor, resulting in a richer and more aromatic coffee.

The best filter coffee machine with a grinder is the Melitta AromaFresh 1021-01, which scores 90 points out of 100 and costs £134.99.

You can find the best coffee machines with a grinder here.

Consider the available space in your kitchen and choose a coffee machine that fits. Additionally, select a design that complements your kitchen.

Filter coffee machines with timers provide the convenience of having your coffee ready at a particular time, making them popular among those who wish to wake up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee or come home to a hot pot of coffee.

These machines allow you to set the exact time you want your coffee to start brewing. You can program them to start brewing minutes before you wake up in the morning or return home from work.

The best filter coffee machine with a timer function is Melitta AromaFresh 1021-01.

You can find all the best filter coffee machines with a timer here.

Many coffee machines require disposable paper filters when brewing. Others come with a permanent filter that you can easily wash.

The following diagram shows the distribution in the number of filter coffee machines with a permanent filter compared to a paper filter.

• Drip stop: Most models include a convenient drip stop feature that automatically closes the valve to stop the flow of coffee when the jug is not in place. This prevents it from wasting coffee and making a mess.
• Warming plate: Most filter coffee machines with glass jugs are built with a warming plate, which keeps the brewed coffee at a consistent temperature after it’s brewed. This feature ensures that your coffee remains hot and enjoyable for an extended period. However, be careful, as leaving coffee on a warming plate for too long can cause it to become overcooked and taste bitter.
• Cleaning indicator: A cleaning indicator is a visual or audible signal that reminds you when it’s time to clean your coffee maker. Regular cleaning is essential to maintain the machine’s performance and ensure the coffee’s quality. When the cleaning indicator activates, it serves as a reminder to follow the recommended cleaning and maintenance procedures outlined in the user manual. Only a few models have this function.
• Descaling indicator: The descaling indicator is a helpful feature that notifies you when it’s time to descale your coffee machine. Descaling is crucial for maintaining the machine’s performance and extending its lifespan. Doing so is usually required to keep the coffee machine’s warranty. Only a few models have a descaling indicator.
• Adjustable temperature: Some advanced coffee makers allow you to control the brewing temperature—this benefits coffee enthusiasts who want to brew coffee at their preferred temperature for the best flavor.
• Auto shut off: Auto shut off is a safety feature that automatically turns off the coffee machine after a predetermined amount of time, typically after 40 minutes for models with a glass jug. This helps conserve energy and prevents the coffee machine from staying on indefinitely, reducing the risk of overheating or electrical issues. All filter coffee machines are designed with this feature in compliance with EU legal requirements.
• Wi-Fi Connectivity: Smart filter coffee machines can connect to your home Wi-Fi network, allowing you to control and monitor the coffee machine remotely through a dedicated smartphone app or voice assistant.