The Best Small Filter Coffee Machines
With a clear design of the selection button, simple cleaning and a premium feel this filter coffee maker scores well. We did notice that it needs a little more thought and consideration than some of the others we looked at because of its blooming feature and jug-holding system.
However however, the Wilfa Classic is a swoon-inducing piece for any kitchen. It comes with a set-up for up to four cups and also an orientation scale and flow rate regulator to allow continuous adjustment.
1. Melitta Aroma Elegance
This stylish filter coffee machine by Melitta comes with a sleek and contemporary design. It is compatible with ground coffee as well as beans. The coffee maker has an 1.25 L water tank that can produce up to 10 cups of filter coffee before needing to be refilled and features an anti-drip feature.
The machine makes it easy to prepare filter coffee using the automatic shut-off feature as well as the capability of adjusting the coffee strength through the change in the size of the ground beans. The jug is dishwasher-safe, making cleaning easier still.
Aroma Elegance Deluxe has a timer function that can be set to start the brewing process at a certain date and time on the LED display. The brewer has been made from high-quality materials that are durable and sturdy and will give you peace of peace of.
The coffee maker is easy to operate because of the clearly-labelled selection buttons and simple-to-follow instructions. It is important to remember that the Aroma Elegance deluxe doesn't have a built-in bean grinder. Users will have grind the beans separately prior to using the coffee maker.
It is recommended to use filtered water to ensure the machine will last for a long time and has the best flavour. Descale the machine on a regular basis to avoid limescale buildup and ensure that it is operating at its peak. The machine has a three-in-one calc-protection system, which includes a programmable setting for water hardness, an indicator that shows the degree of calcification as well as an automatic descaling program.
2. Breville Aromaboy
This adorable filter coffee machine is so small that it can easily be hidden in the cupboard. It may look like a toy but it can produce up to two cups delicious coffee.
Filter coffee makers are like espresso machines in that they heat water, and then pour it over the ground coffee. However, unlike manual filter coffee makers that use electricity, they remove the laborious task of brewing by regulating the flow and duration of the water in order to give you the perfect cup of coffee. These coffee makers also come with extra features that are not available with manual filter coffee makers, like programmable times and descaling alerts.
The best filter machine for you is about determining what your needs are. It could be a model that has a greater capacity for brewing, meaning you can brew large batches of filter coffee at once (perfect if you have guests or in the office) or one that has a single-cup option. Certain models come with built-in grinders that you can use to grind your own beans or get them pre-ground from a can.
Another feature that a lot of filter coffee machines now come with is the ability to recreate a "pour-over" technique that is a method that manuals use for preparing filter coffee. This involves pre-wetting the coffee grounds, then slowly pouring over water - this is said to result in a more complex, richer the brew.

Both the Moccamaster and the Breville Precision brewer are great filter coffee makers for anyone who wants the best of both worlds: the ease of use of an automatic drip machine and the control you can get from a manual filter coffee brewer. Both come with programmable start times, allowing you to set it up to brew coffee at the perfect time for you to get up. Both have a permanent coffee filter, so you don't have to purchase paper filters.
3. Hario V60
The V60 is a single-cup machine with a single cup. It transforms the brewing process into a kind of ritual, and that's one of the main reasons people buy it. Pouring water in circles while holding a gooseneck pot and the cup of beans is awe-inspiring. Pause for that luscious bloom and let the aromas emanate and fill the air, and then continue to watch those ridges that spiral turn into a flowing river of liquid gold as it flows into your cup.
Hario, the Japanese company known for its siphon coffee glasses, glass makers and tea sets, launched this brewer in the year 2004. It's still going strong after it swept the specialty coffee market. You'll see it in videos and social media posts as well as coffee shop conversations, competitions for brewing and YouTube videos. This is the perfect tool for those who want to emphasize the flavor of their coffee and make a great cup every time.
The level of control you have over the brew is why the V60 usurped Melitta from its position as king of pour-overs, and it also offers the chance to play around with different grind sizes, water temperatures and flow rates. The entire process of brewing is only few minutes, and cleanup is simple.
The V60 is a great choice for anyone who loves making single cups of coffee. If you're interested in experimenting using your own method, there are annual pour-over competitions where baristas come together to compete to create the most perfect cup of coffee with this tiny filter coffee maker.
4. Clever Dripper
If you're looking for a simple affordable, reliable, and inexpensive filter coffee maker the Clever Dripper is a great option. It's user-friendly and produces delicious coffee and cleans up easily. It is also very durable and can take a lot of abuse.
The Clever Dripper is a hybrid immersion/percolation brewer that brings the best of both worlds to one convenient, portable package. It makes use of the immersion method, similar to the French Press or new-fangled Aeropress but it features an extra valve that will stop your ground coffee from spilling out at the bottom. Once the coffee is ready you can put it in your server or cup, and open the valve so that the coffee can drip.
Once you've learned the basics, the Clever Dripper will be almost automatic. Then, you can concentrate on other aspects, like the ratio of coffee to water or the steeping period. You can make the perfect cup every time, with a some practice.
The Clever Dripper is available in several different sizes and colors. However, we suggest you purchase the larger size because it can accommodate your favorite mug. It's also made from BPA free Eastman Tritan plastic and comes with a set of 100 filters. It also has a slightly dated look, but the product is extremely useful and sturdy. It's also an excellent choice for those who would like to try a pour-over but doesn't want the money on a dedicated Brewer. It could also serve as a tolerant French press for people who are new to the process. The results are astonishingly consistent and balanced.
5. Kalita Wave
The stainless steel Kalita Wave is an excellent option for those who wish to take a pour-over brewer for camping trips or with limited space in their kitchens. Its flat bottom and three extraction holes ensure an even drink. The wavy design of the filter minimizes contact between the ground and the dripper, preventing astringent flavor.
The horizontal ridges that run along the walls of this maker inspired its name. The ridges evenly distribute the grounds and decrease the risk of channeling. The problem of channeling occurs when the hot water is pushed through the coffee grounds at a rapid speed, which results in an unbalanced extraction. The wavy design of the filter can help minimize contact between the coffee and the dripper and further prevents channeling.
As with other manual pour over brewers, the Kalita Wave requires precision when adding water to ensure an even brew. A ratio of 14.5-16 ml:1 g is ideal. This is generally believed to be the optimal amount of water for pour over, although there are some experts in the field of coffee who believe that a higher ratio might result in more bitterness.
It might take some time to master the pour-over technique to get the best brew from the Kalita Wave if you're a beginner. But once you master it, this compact filter coffee maker is sure to impress your guests. While the $30 Kalita Wave 155 can make amazing cups of coffee, harnessing its full power will require a top bean grinder as well as a fancy kettle, and a scale. It's not surprising that this simple-looking brewer is an absolute favorite among baristas, coffee lovers who are nerdy and professional baristas.