Best Filter Coffee Machines in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update October 29, 2024
Filter coffee is less concentrated than espresso but reveals all the flavours hidden in the beans better. It's rich, tasty, and very ...Read more
PROS

It's made with a stainless steel coffee pot that acts as a thermos to keep coffee warm for a long time. Plus, it has no heating element on the base to burn coffee, letting you enjoy the rich flavour of your favourite drink.

CONS

The stainless steel pot may be a bit tricky to clean. 

OUR VERDICT

It's a premium German-made appliance that brews amazing coffee with no burns. With its double-walled thermal jug, it can keep coffee hot and fresh for several hours without needing additional heating. This feature beats lots of glass pots, requiring constant heat from the hotplate in order to stay warm.

detailed parameters
Coffee type

Ground coffee, Coffee pods

Filter

Melitta 1x4 coffee filter (5 paper filters included)

Brewing Options

Strength control (Aroma Selector), Volume control

Carafe / Mug

1.25-litre thermal stainless steel carafe included

Controls

Control panel with LCD-display, Clock, Programmable timer

Usability

Calc-function with adjustable water hardness, 1.25-litre non-removable water reservoir

Warranty

2 years

PROS

It uses the PourOver™ shower head that ensures the water is evenly dispersed over the coffee grounds. As a result, each ground is fully covered for the maximum flavour extraction.

CONS

The keep warm feature lasts only 25 minutes.

OUR VERDICT

The Morphy Richards 162009 is a high-quality coffee machine from a reputable brand. It has a unique design and extra-large capacity, which makes it a sound choice for offices and home use where all family members drink coffee.

detailed parameters
Coffee type

Ground coffee, Coffee pods

Filter

Brewing basket with reusable plastic filter

Brewing Options

Strength control, Volume control

Carafe / Mug

1.8-litre glass carafe included

Controls

Control panel with LCD-display, Clock, Programmable timer, Keep-warm feature

Usability

PourOver™ technology, 1.8-litre non-removable water reservoir

Warranty

2 years

PROS

Unlike most units that have an ultra-slim opening in a completely inaccessible place, this one boasts a large opening right on the top. Therefore, no water will splash around.

CONS

Some users dislike the taste and smell of plastic within the first uses.

OUR VERDICT

The Russell Hobbs 20680 is a decent coffee maker that boasts excellent price/quality ratio. It's made with some premium features and technologies yet costs almost twice less than top-rated products.

detailed parameters
Coffee type

Ground coffee, Coffee pods

Filter

Brewing basket with reusable plastic filter

Brewing Options

Strength control, Volume control

Carafe / Mug

1.25-litre glass carafe included

Controls

Control panel with LCD-display, Clock, Programmable timer, Keep-warm feature

Usability

Calc-function, 1.25-litre non-removable water reservoir

Warranty

2 years (one more year for product registration)

PROS

It's designed with no permanent filter. Only disposable paper filters are acceptable. Hence, you won't need to fuss with a complex set of dials, buttons, and toggle switches.

CONS

The paper filters should be purchased separately.

OUR VERDICT

It's a good machine to make a jump from instant coffee to natural. With its rock-solid reliability and straightforward controls, the Delonghi ICM15210 can please every coffee lover. And since it accepts only paper filters, you won't face limescale buildup. 

detailed parameters
Coffee type

Ground coffee, Coffee pods

Filter

Brewing basket with a paper filter (not included)

Brewing Options

Volume control

Carafe / Mug

1.25-litre glass carafe included

Controls

One-button operation with LED-indicator, Keep-warm feature

Usability

1.25-litre non-removable water reservoir

Warranty

1 year

PROS

This machine is capable of making not only coffee but many kinds of tea as well. So, if you're a coffee lover but your significant other is a tea aficionado, this machine can please you both.

CONS

It may be a little noisy, especially towards the end of the process.

OUR VERDICT

The Aigostar Chocolate 30KYJ 2-in-1 Filter Coffee Machine can be a good choice for families that want to save counter space on buying two separate appliances for brewing perfect coffee and tea. It's a no-frills model that has neither timer nor strength adjustment knob.

detailed parameters
Coffee type

Ground coffee, Coffee pods

Filter

Brewing basket with reusable plastic filter

Brewing Options

Volume control

Carafe / Mug

1.25-litre glass carafe included

Controls

One-button operation with LED-indicator, Keep-warm feature

Usability

1.25-litre non-removable water reservoir

Warranty

2 years

Ultra-robust Construction

Ever since 1908, when Melitta Bentz invented the first coffee filter, the company's been working hard to please its customers with high-quality products and deliver unique coffee enjoyment. The Melitta Look IV filter coffee maker is no exception. It's proudly made in Germany and, if we had to describe it, we would definitely compare it with a solid German car. The unit is ruggedly constructed and looks very classy and professional.

Unlike the majority of filter coffee machines designed with glass or plastic jugs, the Melitta Look IV comes with a stainless steel coffee pot - a great design solution that will let you benefit in several ways. For a start, because there's no hot plate beneath, it needs no electricity, thus allowing you to save on electricity bills. Secondly, no heating element on the base means no burnt coffee. And finally, with the jug being so well insulated, the unit will keep your coffee warm for a staggering amount of time, relieving you from the need to reheat it.

The benefits do not end here. Another perk of the pot is that it is double-walled, which means it's almost unbreakable. And it can be freely used with one hand, making it a go-to option for busy people who often tend to do several things simultaneously.

Understanding that a stainless steel pot is a bit trickier to maintain than a glass one, the manufacturer designed the machine with 3-in-1 limescale protection. This protection includes a calcification display, programmable water hardness level, and a descaling programme, everything you need to keep the unit in top-notch condition.

Adjustment Options

The Melitta Look IV coffee maker is not only solidly-constructed but very smart as well. Made with a patented flavour selector, it allows you to adjust the intensity of coffee from mild to strong. Hence, you can enjoy a pick-me-up coffee in the morning and a gentle drink after lunch.

Also, the machine can please users with its practical timer feature giving you the chance to brew coffee at any time you like. For example, if you like freshly-brewed coffee in the morning, you can set the machine to make you a cup of coffee 15 minutes before you wake up.

All in all, if you want to be woken up by the seductive aroma of fresh coffee, this machine will do the trick. It's a premium appliance that brews amazing coffee with no burns. With its double-walled thermal jug, it can keep the coffee hot and fresh for ages without any heat needed. This feature beats lots of glass pots requiring constant heat from the hotplate to stay warm.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £54.90
Stock In stock
ASIN B00R7HKARM

Unique Design

Morphy Richards is one of the most respected brands in the UK that has been around for many years, so you can expect high quality and innovations from this cleverly-designed coffee machine.

Available in three sleek colours, the Morphy Richards 162009 Pour Over Filter Coffee Maker is an attractive domestic appliance that most customers would be happy to put on display on the countertop. It has a unique boxy shape that makes it relatively compact yet capacious.

However, the machine is unique not only on the outside. While many filter-style coffee makers use the simple flooding brewing technology, this one is slightly different. It uses the PourOver™ shower head that ensures the water is evenly dispersed over the coffee grounds. As a result, each ground is fully covered for the maximum flavour extraction.

One more prominent feature of the machine is its 'cupcake' shaped filter. It allows for even coverage of the coffee to prevent over- and under-extraction of coffee, a common problem found in cone-shaped filters. That is to say, the cupcake filter can be used with additional disposable filter papers optionally.

In other words, the shower spray technology along with the cupcake-shaped coffee basket makes a great difference to the flavour. The coffee gets very rich and smooth with no sludge or grinds found in a coffee cup.

Smart Functionality

The machine is featured with a 1.8-litre reservoir that can be filled from either left or right side. This large reservoir allows you to brew up to 12 cups of coffee at once and then keep the coffee warm. The downside though is that the hotplate stays on for up to 25 minutes only. So, if your family members often have their drink at different time, they may need to switch it back or even run the cycle again.

Like high-end coffee machines, the Morphy Richards 162009 includes a programmable timer. Therefore, you can set it to make the coffee before you wake up to save those valuable 5 minutes in the bed.

Also, the coffee maker offers a strength selector so that you can tailor the intensity of the coffee. The machine is very self-explanatory, and we bet you won't even need the manual to get the hang of using it.

To round things up, the Morphy Richards 162009 is a high-quality machine from a reputable brand. It has a unique design and extra-large capacity which makes it an excellent appliance for big companies.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £54.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B01G5NODTE

Great Value

Aiming to make home life easier and more enjoyable, Russell Hobbs has come up with a filter coffee machine that is moderately-priced, functional, and quick. At less than £30, the 20680 Buckingham coffee maker offers fantastic value for the money.

Designed to deliver coffee much quicker than the pour-over technique, the 20680 reaches the optimum temperature 50% faster. The advanced showerhead technology used here ensures that the flavour is fully extracted from coffee grains, which results in great taste every time. And after the brewing process is completed, the coffee remains heated for 30-40 minutes, which is a very good result.

If we could name one minor flaw of the machine, it would be the taste and smell of plastic during first uses, due to the presence of a few plastic parts in the machine. Other than that, you'll unlikely have any issues. Besides, the plastic smell doesn't stay on long and will quickly disappear.

Overall, the 20680 Buckingham coffee maker looks very modern with a stainless steel base consisting of plastic elements and a glass carafe sliding into it.

The best bit about the machine is filling the reservoir. Unlike most units that have an ultra-slim opening in a completely inaccessible place, this one boasts a large opening right on top. Therefore, no water will splash around.

Ease of Use

Speaking about the ease of use, the folks behind Morphy Richards couldn’t have done much better. All you need to do is fill the coffee maker with water and ground coffee and then select the desired strength. The machine is built with a permanent filter allowing you to save some money on costly paper filters.

The control panel is very intuitive and straightforward. It allows you to select the desired intensity of your coffee and set the programmable 24-hour timer the night before. So, you can wake up, quickly pour your coffee into a travel mug, and jump into your car to save your valuable time when days get busy.

Summing up, we can say that Russell Hobbs has manufactured a decent coffee machine that boasts excellent price/quality ratio. It's made with some premium features and technologies yet costs almost twice less than top-rated products, making it the best bargain around.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £42.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00KRGER1A

For Novice Users

If you need a decent machine for your first experience with filter coffee, the DeLonghi ICM15210 may be the best bet for you. It doesn't offer numerous bells and whistles but does its main job as expected and brews delicious coffee with minimum efforts required.

Operating the machine couldn’t be simpler. There are no timers or complicated displays - the only button you'll find on the machine is the "On/Off" button. So, all you have to do is load up a paper filter, add coffee grounds, and press the button to crank it up. After a while, the flavorous coffee will come out.

The machine uses the standard size 4 filter you can get in most shops. Do note that the manufacturer doesn't provide a permanent filter - only disposable filters are acceptable. However, some users consider it as a pro rather than a con, since no build up of limescale will occur when using paper filters. Plus, you won't need to fuss with a complex set of dials, buttons, and toggle switches.

Attention to Details

DeLonghi has been long known for its attention to details. If you're familiar with other their products, you probably know that it's a hallmark of the brand's design philosophy. So, no wonder that the elegant, glass carafe of this machine has markings for both cups and mugs on each side, making it easy for right-handed and left-handed people to check the water level.

Once the coffee maker uses up all the water, it will alert you with the beeps to let you know that the brewing process is completed and in case you don't switch it off, it'll keep the coffee warm for 40 minutes. After that, the machine will turn off automatically.

All in all, it's a good machine to make a jump from instant coffee to natural. With its rock-solid reliability and straightforward controls, the DeLonghi ICM15210 can please every coffee lover.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £49.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00PAU5AFK

Simplicity above All

If you’re a person who values simplicity, we think you'll really appreciate the ease of use that the Aigostar Chocolate 30KYJ Filter Coffee Machine affords.

It is a basic coffee maker that caters to the needs of customers on a budget. It has no frills like displays and numerous controls and features a simple on/off button that starts the brewing process and a LED light that shows whether the unit is working or not. Simply add water and coffee inside and press the button to have a jug of fresh coffee.

Built with a 1000-Watt heating element, the brewer makes coffee within minutes and then keeps it warm for up to 40 minutes so that every family member can enjoy hot coffee in the morning. That is to say, the capacity of the water tank is pretty average - 1.25 litre, yet it's enough to provide up to 10 cups of coffee to share between 3-5 people.

The only slight gripe is that the machine may be a little noisy, especially towards the end of the process. Having said that, we dare say it is not much louder than most other coffee makers in this price range.

As for the design of this coffee machine, it is really modern. The unit is made of BPA-free materials and high-temperature resistant glass, making it look stylish and expensive. It also comes with a coffee scoop, removable filter and carafe, which are easy to detach and clean.

Versatility

What really sells this product is its extra versatility. The thing is that the Aigostar Chocolate 30KYJ machine is capable of making not only coffee but many kinds of tea as well. So, if you're a coffee lover but your significant other is a tea aficionado, this machine can please you both.

All things considered, the Aigostar Chocolate 30KYJ 2-in-1 Filter Coffee Machine can be a good choice for families that want to save counter space on buying two separate appliances for brewing perfect coffee and tea. Despite the lack of some of the features found on more expensive models, it does its main job well and is easy to use, letting you enjoy fantastic coffee without overpaying for it.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £31.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07BVQQSW2

What Is a Filter Coffee Machine?

Filter coffee is probably the most basic coffee type with a bit less of a kick than a Ristretto or espresso. Filter coffee, also called pour-over and drip, accentuates more intricate flavours and allows you to appreciate all the aromas, especially those ones that may not shine in an espresso. It's a perfect pick-me-up drink most people prefer to drink first thing in the morning.

Filter coffee makers, often called pour-over machines, can bring you brewing excellence and reveal a rich taste of filter coffee. They are quite simple to use - all you have to do is fill them with water and coffee. Filter coffee makers are fully programmable and use a brewing process similar to the manual brewing methods. The machine will first pour a small amount of hot water over coffee grounds so as to let them “bloom” and release the flavour before the rest of the water is dispensed. For this reason, the brewing process will take slightly longer compared to Espresso machines, but you'll get amazing results. For this review, we have selected the best filter coffee machines that will suit any taste and budget.

What Features to Compare

Type

When starting to look for a filter coffee maker, first, consider its type. Basically, there are only three types of filter coffee makers to choose from - standard filter coffee machines, pour-over filter coffee machines, and grind and brew filter coffee machines.

  • Standard filter coffee machines. These are the most affordable out of them. What distinguishes them is that they use the tried-and-true method of brewing known since the 1970s: they heat water when it's flowing through a tube and then let the hot water drip down on ground coffee in a filter basket.
  • Pour-over filter coffee machines are a bit more expensive and fancier. The 'pour-over' technique involves pre-wetting coffee grounds and then slowly pouring water over them. This helps refine coffee's flavour and make it taste richer and more balanced. The downside is, compared to standard models, they brew coffee a little longer.
  • Grind and brew filter coffee machines are 2-in-1 appliances that first grind coffee beans and then immediately brew them. As a result, you get the freshest coffee possible. Admittedly, they are quite bulky and can be noisy, but if you are a true coffee connoisseur, that's a little price to pay.

Filter Style

Another consideration is the filter style. Most filter coffee brewers come with permanent filters that ensure a long-lasting service without the need to change them often. There are also those that can be used with paper filters optionally; these are great for those who, for a change, love their coffee sweet with a minimum amount of oils. Some innovative models may also include a cupcake filter, a great addition to keep the coffee beans from falling out. It's also important to point out that some machines work only with paper filters, so take this into account.

Water Tank

Don't forget to consider the water tank capacity since it determines how much coffee you'll be able to brew per one go. If you have a big family that loves to have coffee over breakfast, opt for extra capacity.

Pay attention to the water tank design as well. Most coffee makers are featured with a non-removable tank, which may be tricky to clean. It is true, a removable water tank is a rare thing in the filter-style coffee machines, a rare one but not non-existent. So if ease of cleaning is important to you, spend more time to get it.

Functionality

For those of us who love coffee, there are some other important things to consider. Of these, having coffee that stays hot is crucial. So, consider whether a machine has a Keep Warm function and, if it does, how long it keeps the plate hot. We would like to point out that some filter coffee machines come fitted with an insulated jug rather than a warming plate to keep your coffee warm. Though glass carafes are more common.

Another feature to take into account is a programmable timer. With this handy addition, you'll be able to set a time for the machine to switch on and start brewing. It's a particularly useful function for those who like the idea of waking up to a freshly-brewed cup of coffee.

Did you know?

The History of Coffee

Coffee was first discovered in the 9th century by an Ethiopian goatherd. However, it was introduced to the mass market in the 15th century and, still, it remains one of the most popular beverages worldwide. Admittedly, for many people, it's become part of their lifestyle.

People all across the globe consume about 2.25 billion cups of coffee daily. Americans alone drink more than 400 million cups per day, however, Finland consumes even more.

Another interesting fact is that the majority of coffee is produced in Brazil (40% of the world's coffee).

Filter Coffee Origin

You can call it either American coffee or filter coffee. By any name, this type of coffee is by far the most popular brewing method throughout the USA and Northern Europe. The origins of this technique are traced to early 20th century Germany where paper filters were invented.

Coffee Cat

Creme Puff, the oldest cat according to the Guinness World records, drank coffee every morning throughout her whole life. She managed to live for 38 years.

Coffee Pushed to Innovations

Did you know that coffee has pushed people to invent a webcam? Actually, people working at the Cambridge University disliked finding an empty coffee pot in the mornings, so they decided to create a webcam to check the status of the coffee pot. That’s how it all began.

Coffee Is a Berry!

One more fact that might surprise you is that coffee beans are actually not 'beans'. They only called so because of the resemblance. In reality, they are berries.

Before Coffee…

Before the introduction of coffee, the popular breakfast drink was beer. People all across the globe drank beer as a pick-me-up beverage.

Unusual Health Benefits

Although there are many theories that coffee is harmful to the human body, there are some proved health benefits. For example, if you regularly drink coffee, you reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's.

Also, some studies have shown that drinking coffee may lower the risk of depression. Just the smell of coffee can improve your mood or help you wake you up in the morning.

Different Flavours

There are two main types of coffee, Robusta and Arabica. Robusta has a bit harsher flavour and a higher level of caffeine, while Arabica is known for the delicate flavour.

Another interesting fact is that dark roast and light roast coffee have the same amount of caffeine. Yet, many people still consider dark coffee to be stronger.

Longer!

If you add cream to your coffee, it’ll stay warmer about 20% longer.

Caffeine Amount

Although drip coffee is considered to be less strong than espresso, the truth is, one cup of filter coffee has even more caffeine than espresso.

Do Not Overdo!

Depending on the weight, from 80 to 100 cups of coffee may be lethal for an adult.

The Most Expensive

The most expensive coffee found in the world is the Black Ivory Coffee. It costs up to £1,000 per kilo. This type of coffee is produced from part-digested coffee beans eaten by Thai elephants.

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