8 best filter coffee machines for the perfect cup of java

Best: Overall

If you’re a serious coffee drinker but don’t go in for the frothy coffees, this is the machine for you. Set up is fiddly, but only takes around 25 minutes all in, then you can get started with your brewing experimentations. You can choose from preset modes including “gold” (the best), “fast”, “strong”, “cold” and more, or fine tune to your personal tastes by trying different bloom times, flow rates, brew temperatures and more to get the most out of different beans and roasts.

The machine has a 1.7l capacity and drips the coffee quickly and efficiently into the special thermal jug without spilling a drop, and the coffee we tried was really top-notch. We’re also happy to report that the carafe does the job – staying hot for at least two hours by our reckoning. It comes with a reusable basket or paper filter option the choice is left up to you, and all parts easy to clean. A completely fabulous coffee machine that will definitely earn its keep.

Best: For a morning brew

Morphy Richards does basic kitchen appliances very well, which is why you’ll find two of its machines in this list alone. Part of the brand’s “verve” collection, it’s a simple programmable machine that allows you to wake up to freshly brewed pour-over coffee everyday. We found the brewing system to be quiet and quick, giving us 1.8l of coffee in a matter of minutes – even if you don’t use the pre-set – which stays warm for 30-minutes plus.

We like that this machine has a cupcake-shaped filter, allowing for extra blooming of the coffee grounds and a more even extraction than with a cone filter. It gives such clear, aromatic coffee and we loved that you can adjust the coffee strength. The glass jug is easy to pour from too and doesn’t leak, and the nod to Fifties styling means the machine looks smart and sleek on the worktop without taking up too much space.

Best: For freshly ground beans

Like the winning Sage machine (£247, Johnlewis.com), this Melitta model is quite a different beast from the others in this list. It has an entirely different set up for one: with a removable water tank on the side, bean hopper on top and a swing out filter (which is non-reusable) but we still absolutely love it.

It’s another high-functioning filter machine with simple programmable features. And we have to admit, the incorporation of a grinder is genius. Freshly ground beans are probably the single most effective way of improving homemade coffee, and this machine means you don’t need to bother with a fiddly separate grinder or save up for an expensive bean-to-cup machine. Plus, when you add in the ability to adjust strength, grind level, water hardness and auto-brewing, and an LED that tells you when a descale programme should be carried out, what’s not to love?

Our one tiny niggle is that sometimes the coffee drips from the “non-drip” spout when the jug is removed, but aside from that the coffee is exceptional, hot and delivered in large proportions.

Best: For strong coffee

We really like this mid-range model from Russell Hobbs. It produces 1.25l of really, really hot, quite strong coffee on demand – via the 24 hour programmable timer should you wish – in far less time than it takes to boil a kettle. The hotplate also stays warm for 40 minutes to preserve the temperature and having the choice of dishwasher safe reusable filter, or paper is great. But, personally, we found the fine mesh of the filter provided was perfect for filtering our grinds.

The brewing method used is what the brand calls “showerhead” technology, ensuring the coffee is exposed more evenly to the water, which makes for a richer brew and noticeably fuller flavour.

We liked the blue light to indicate freshly brewed coffee which then changes to flashing after 30 minutes. Another useful feature is that you can select how much coffee you’re intending to make, and the machine will adjust its brew strength accordingly so you can enjoy a properly extracted cup even if just for one.

Best: For vintage style

Form and functionality combine with this beautiful Smeg appliance. It’s still ostensibly a basic drip filter coffee machine, but there’s a few extra bells and whistles here that might help you justify that price tag. And of course, its Fifties styling with sleek diner vibes, in a range of vintage inspired shades, ensures it really looks the part too.

The glass jug is good quality with a drip-free pour, and the water tank has a 1.7l capacity so it’s easy to brew and go. There’s also a water hardness adjustment, 1-4 cups function and coffee intensity button, alongside the usual timer and a descaling light indicator which explains the higher price point. We noticed that the anti-drip mechanism does exactly that, so the hot plate stays clean and ready to go for its 40-minute keep-warm function which is definitely a bonus we can get on board with.

Best: For quick cuppas

The second Morphy Richards product in this list, it’s unsurprisingly similar to the verve model (£59, morphyrichards.co.uk) we’ve already featured. But though it may be similar in price and functionality it has a more modern design, and we found it kept coffee warmer for a bit longer.

Slightly more compact, this glass jug has a 1.25l capacity for up to 12 (small) cups of after-dinner coffee. It’s super easy and fast to use. All you have to is add water, coffee, choose your strength selection (from three) and thanks to its “fast brew” technology, you can brew a full jug within 10 minutes.

The keep-warm function allows you to enjoy steaming hot coffee for 40 minutes, and the jug has an easy pour lip so we didn’t spill a drop. To clean, just lift the removable filter out and run the deep cleaning cycle periodically. A really good machine that needn’t break the bank.

Best: For large families

We love how sleek this coffee maker is from KitchenAid, and the fact it comes in a range of the brand’s signature hues means you can match it to all of its other appliances. More than that though, it’s sturdy, robust and comes with a generous 1.7l removable water tank and glass coffee carafe of the same capacity.

The carafe rests on a programmable thermostatic hot plate (choose from high and low keep-warm temps) which stays hot for up to 40 minutes with auto-shut-off. It also includes a permanent filter basket which handily has a dosage ladder to mark where to fill your coffee up to, you then use the simple selection pad to choose your brew strength, quantities and 24-hour timer function should you require.

We really liked the full aroma and rich flavour this machine gives from a generous bloom time, while still delivering super-hot fast coffee thanks to the spiral shower head style pour. The filter and all parts can be easily washed and the jug has a prominent lip to avoid spills and splashes. We liked that the display stated when the coffee was last brewed, too. A nice kitchen investment to keep a house or office full of coffee drinkers happy.

Best: For solo drinkers

This is the smallest capacity machine we tried and is perfect for solo coffee drinkers who perhaps won’t make their way through a huge pot. With a 625ml glass jug, this diminutive machine brews up two large mugs worth of coffee in just six minutes, which is kept at temperature on the hot plate as long as the machine is on.

It’s truly idiot proof, with only one button to begin brewing once the water reservoir is filled and a few scoops of coffee are added to the permanent filter. There’s also a handy indicator on the side to view the water level.

The coffee strength is medium to strong and not a single ground escapes the fine filter, so no need for paper in addition. We like that the filter is dishwasher-proof, and the whole machine stays really clean thanks to the non-drip system. A great entry-level machine, or one to keep on your desk – and all for the same price as a cafetiere.