Caffeine lovers will get endless use out of the best filter coffee machine. Designed to make batches of hot, fresh coffee in minutes, these machines are some of the most affordable options on the market for hands-free brewing, and they'll bring out an amazing depth of flavour from your coffee beans or grounds.
While the best coffee machines are designed to make delicious, dense espresso at high pressure, a filter coffee machine relies solely on gravity to allow water to trickle though coffee grounds and into your coffee jug. This typically brings out less acidity in the coffee flavour, and will make much larger drinks with a less concentrated taste.
Another perk of the best filter coffee machines is their affordable price point. Many filter coffee machines cost less than £50, and if you're willing to spend a little more, you could pick up a smart machine that grinds its own coffee beans and even has custom temperature and settings for different types of coffee.
What is the best filter coffee machine?
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For us, we wouldn't hesitate to recommend buying the Morphy Richards 162010 Pour Over Filter Coffee Maker, which gets our vote for the best filter coffee machine. It's very easy to use, and can make 12 cups of great, strong coffee, along with a programmable timer. Read on for more on this pick and the rest of the best of the best.
The 7 best filter coffee machines
Simple to use, but with enough functionality to make your life just a little bit easier, this filter coffee machine from Morphy Richards is a functional, useable, and reasonably priced filter coffee machine that’ll prove useful in all kitchens.
What's it good at?
The ‘shower head’ pour-over technology creates a full flavour, so it’s good for black coffee drinkers who like to really taste those notes in their favourite grind. The hot plate heats your coffee for 25 minutes and the flavour changes very little in that time.
Why we like it
It's not too bulky and its sleek design means we'd be happy to leave it on our countertop. It takes just over seven minutes to brew a litre of coffee, so it's pretty speedy, plus we like how you can select different strengths for your brew. Our favourite feature? You can set a timer on your coffee machine so you can have a full jug waiting for you by the time you wake up.
What else?
The coffee comes out at around 77ºC so bear that in mind if you prefer a super hot coffee, or tend to add a fair bit of cold milk.
What don't we like?
The water tank isn't removable, which isn't a massive problem but it does mean it can be tricky to refill and clean.
If you want to mix-and-match models for a colourful chic kitchen set-up, then this coffee machine is for you. It's the best filter coffee machine if you're after a popular, high-end product.
What we like
This filter coffee machine does exactly what is intended: makes filter coffee. And the filter coffee is really nice, at that. When the coffee is made, it is easy to clean and maintain the coffee machine once, like everything, you get used to it.
Anything else?
It also comes in a selection of complimentary colours. These colours would probably suit other Smeg appliances in the kitchen, more than if you just have this standalone coffee machine, but it's one (of a few things) we like anyway.
What we don't like
There's nothing we especially dislike about this coffee maker, but the set-up is a little fussy with a number of settings to work your way through before you can brew. And the water tank is pretty tricky to fill up, too, particularly if you have it sat on the work surface under some cupboards.
Also, just be mindful NOT to switch off the machine at the plug after each use, because all settings will be cleared so you'll need to run through the set-up process again.
- Real Homes rated 4.5 out of 5 stars: Read our full Smeg DCF02 Drip Filter Coffee Machine review
An easy to use, clean and operate model which is an affordable price, this filter coffee machine from Russell Hobbs is ideal for those who lead busy home lives and rely on coffee to keep them going, but without the fuss.
What's it good at?
Not only can it make up to 14 cups of coffee from one brew, but that coffee will stay hot for a while (although we might quibble about the flavour if you left it on the hotplate for the full 40 minutes).
Why we like it
For all the features we will go on to mention, the stand out one for us is the auto cleaning function. It makes keeping your filter coffee machine in the best condition super easy as it reminds you when it’s time to remove limescale (something we’re guilty of not keeping track of). Then, all you need to do is run a cycle with a proprietary brand of descaler suitable for use in plastic-bodied products, according to instructions.
What else?
With features such as Clever Advanced Shower Head technology, the machine will efficiently flavour your coffee ensuring it is intense and aromatic every time, and the Advanced Brewing System promises to reach the ideal temperature 50% quicker than a traditional model.
What don't we like?
As we may have already mentioned, the hotplate keep the brewed coffee warm for 40 minutes, but if you needed to leave it that long we’d suggest brewing less in the first place then brewing again for best tasting cup.
A neat and attractive coffee machine, you’ll be happy to show-off the De’Longhi filter coffee machine on your kitchen work surface, and delighted to drink its brews, too. There’s a matching kettle and toaster if you want to get the set.
What's it good at?
This really is a fuss-free machine. Prep it, set it going and it’ll bleep when it’s done; it's incredibly easy. It does offer you a degree of choice, however. There’s an aroma button that means water is delivered to the filter more slowly – recommended when you’re not brewing a full jug.
Why we like it
As well as making a tasty cup (or five), the machine is simple to keep clean. Both the carafe and the filter holder can go in the dishwasher, which isn’t always the case with even the best filter coffee machines.
What else?
Black, red or white finishes should ensure it suits your kitchen decor nicely, thank you. It's a compact machine, so good for small kitchens, too.
What don't we like?
It’s a machine made to brew for one or two, so if there are more of you or you like plenty of refills, you’ll want to invest in one of our other choices.
The slightly scary-looking tapered cone, precise volume indicators and brushed metal exterior might make this deluxe filter coffee machine look like something out of a science lab, but don't worry, it uses its powers very much for good.
What's it good at?
With something tantalisingly called 'Aroma Control', it ensures that every brew is as fully-flavoured as can be, so no more discrepancy between the amazing smell of those artisanal beans you bought off the market and what ends up in your cup.
Why we like it
It keeps your coffee warm for two hours thanks to the heavily-insulated jug. This is the longest time out of all the filter coffee machines we have in our round up, and the first cup tastes just as good as the last. Great for busy homes where your cup is often forgotten about.
So, the programmable hotplate keeps coffee fresh for longer; meanwhile, the timer makes sure your cup is ready for when you most desperately need a caffeine boost. Looking for the best filter coffee machine to retain flavour? Bingo.
What don't we like?
It's a pretty cumbersome design, so if you have a smaller kitchen this might not be the best filter coffee machine for you.
For those who want barista-style coffee but lack the worktop space for a giant machine, the Morphy Richards Vector 163004 is the best filter coffee machine for you.
What's it good at?
It has a 12-cup capacity thanks to its 1.8 litre jug, and for those who often click the snooze button (or just forget), the keep-warm function will keep your coffee warm for up to 30 minutes.
Why we like it
It also has a handy timer so you can set it to have a brew (or two) waiting for you each morning, and there's an EcoMode which will save you energy while it's not being used.
What else?
What we really love about the Morphy Richards Vector 163004 is the look. The stylish machine is available in cream or black, and it's compact as it sits in a rectangular unit so can easily be popped in the corner of your kitchen worktop, unlike many other coffee machines which tend to be round in shape.
What don't we like?
Some users reported a plastic taste on the first couple of uses, but this is common when buying a new coffee machine. We recommend running water through a couple of times before you make your first batch of coffee.
If looks means a lot to you, you want a coffee machine that can stay out on your countertops – you want something that's going to add style as well as provide you with a delicious pot of hot coffee. And the Melitta epour is as good looking as filter coffee machines get.
What's it good at?
It's fast. We filled it up to the 8-cup mark (maximum capacity) and the pot was full in a couple of minutes. Ideal if you are in a rush in the morning.
Why we like it
It's clever. With most filter coffee machines you fill it up to your desired amount of cups and it brews the same no matter how much coffee you want. With the epour, there's four 'brewing profiles' and they switch depending on how many cups you are after. So you get the best taste whether you are making coffee just for you or want a whole pot for guests. Basically, you get the best tasting coffee now matter how many cups you make.
What else?
It's really easy to clean, the water tank is really easy to remove and the coffee pot is one of the nicest we've seen. No bulk or plastic – just a lovely simple glass pot that wouldn't be an eye sore when sat on the breakfast table. The coffee machine also comes with filters, so as long as you have coffee, you are good to go from the start.
What don't we like?
It was slightly noisy. But not brewing coffee noisy. The water tap rotates as it pours water over the coffee which makes a whirring electronic noise that's hard to ignore. However, the rotating tap does ensure even distribution of the water and this feature, despite being a tad noisy, is a nice addition, as it's inspired by the motions of making a filter coffee by hand.
How to choose the best filter coffee machine
Where to buy the best filter coffee machine
More filter coffee machines at AO (opens in new tab)
Filter coffee machines at John Lewis & Partners (opens in new tab)
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Browse filter coffee machines at Argos (opens in new tab)
Check out Currys PC World for filter coffee machines (opens in new tab)
When looking for the best filter coffee machine for your household, there are a few things you'll need to consider when weighing up your options.
How many cups can it make?
The best thing about a filter coffee machine is that it can make around 10 to 12 cups (though sometimes it will make as few as five) which makes it great for dinner parties, big families, or coffee mornings. In short, if you like a big jug to wake you up in the morning, and want coffee-shop quality brews at home without the faff, look no further.
Filter
The big thing to look for these days is whether a machine features its own permanent, washable, and thus reusable filter, or disposable paper filters. Reusable filters mean less waste, so they’re better for the environment, and they cost less in the long run, as you don’t have to keep buying disposable ones. However, these machines tend to be a little more expensive to buy.
When to buy a filter coffee machine?
It's always a good time to buy a filter coffee machine, especially when there are coffee machine sales to be enjoyed.
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