Updated on 9 December 2022
This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.
Melitta Look Therm Timer
This model stands out for its resistance and its stainless steel coffee pot which is capable of keeping coffee hot for two hours. It is also one of the only coffee makers in our selection that can be programmed and has an intensity selector.
According to our tests, the Melitta Look Therm Timer offers the best price-quality ratio for now. It stands out from the competition with its brushed steel design and opaque carafe, which gives it a very modern look (the other models in our selection have a glass jug). It is also programmable, has a descaling function, and can keep coffee hot for 2 hours thanks to its double-walled insulated metal coffee pot.
There are many different models of filter machines, each with different features.
It is important that the spout of your coffee pot is wide enough to make cleaning as easy as possible.
We recommend that you choose a model with a visible water level.
The temperature maintenance system can be very interesting, as can an insulated coffee pot.
Enjoy your coffee quickly. Once ground, the beans quickly lose their flavour and freshness.
Russell Hobbs Adventure
This affordable model stood out in our tests for its design quality, ease of use and ease of maintenance. It is also efficient, thanks to its whirlpool water distribution system.
The Russell Hobbs coffee maker has a capacity of 1.25 litres (ten large cups of coffee), a power rating of 1100W, and a solid and practical design – all great qualities for the price. It stands out for its ease of use (there is only one button on the machine) and its WhirlTech technology designed for proper temperature and better flavour extraction. In our tests, the anti-drip system and the 40-minute heat retention proved to be very effective. This is enough to satisfy the big coffee drinkers or big families!
Melitta AromaFresh
Thanks to its integrated grinder, this coffee maker is the only one in our comparison that is compatible with ground and bean coffee. Its many features make it the most complete machine in our selection.
This 10 to 15 cup capacity coffee maker stands out from the competition because of its ability to use ground coffee or beans. It also stands out for its variety of features (adjustable grind/number of cups/coffee strength, customisable keep warm function and self-decalcifying) which make it comfortable to use while allowing you to get a custom-made coffee. In our tests, it offered the most complete user experience, with clearly visible graduations, easy access to the different elements and an audible signal when the coffee is ready.
Russell Hobbs Retro
During our tests, this coffee maker seduced us with its ease of use and its original retro look. It also stands out for its gauge which indicates its preparation and keeping warm time (up to 40 minutes).
The Russel Hobbs Retro stands out from the other models in our selection by its retro vintage design, enhanced by shiny steel finishes. If this look is not to everyone’s taste, it nevertheless has the merit of standing out from the crowd. After our tests, we confirm that it can prepare up to 10 large cups of coffee, which it keeps hot for 40 minutes. It is also one of the only machines that – thanks to its gauge – allows you to follow the time of this feature.
Our selection
| Our choice, Best Mid-range | Best budget | Best high-end | Mid-range alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| | | | |
| Melitta Look Therm Timer | Russell Hobbs Adventure | Melitta AromaFresh | Russell Hobbs Retro |
| This model stands out for its resistance and its stainless steel coffee pot which is capable of keeping coffee hot for two hours. It is also one of the only coffee makers in our selection that can be programmed and has an intensity selector. | This affordable model stood out in our tests for its design quality, ease of use and ease of maintenance. It is also efficient, thanks to its whirlpool water distribution system. | Thanks to its integrated grinder, this coffee maker is the only one in our comparison that is compatible with ground and bean coffee. Its many features make it the most complete machine in our selection. | During our tests, this coffee maker seduced us with its ease of use and its original retro look. It also stands out for its gauge which indicates its preparation and keeping warm time (up to 40 minutes). |
| £ 63.67 on Amazon | £ 55.99 on Amazon | See the price on Amazon | See the price on Amazon |
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How did we do the tests?
To test the coffee machines, we first looked at their design (robustness, appearance, materials, weight, dimensions, presence of a display, etc.) and whether or not they came with accessories (filters, dosing spoon, descaling product, etc.). We then judged their ease of use (instinctive control panels, easy access to the various blocks, good visibility of the graduations on the tanks and spouts).
Next, we evaluated its user-friendliness (especially concerning additional functions such as programming, time setting or intensity selector). We then tested its performance (speed of preparation, number of cups that can be served, ability to keep warm, etc.). After brewing the coffee, we carried out a tasting to compare the results. Finally, we judged its ease of maintenance (removable filter, wide-opening coffee pot, easy-access tank, fingerprint sensitivity, decalcification programme).
How to choose your filter coffee machine?
The filter coffee maker is one of the most popular coffee machines. From the very basic to the sophisticated, they come in a variety of models that can quickly change your coffee experience. And with so many models on the market, it is not always easy to make the right choice.
To help you see more clearly, here are the criteria to look out for (in addition to the capacity of the tank, which must be adapted to each individual’s needs):
- Ease of use: to be able to prepare a coffee without needing a barista’s certificate, it is recommended to opt for a model with a visible water level with graduations, an easy-to-reach filter holder as well as a measuring spoon to be able to easily prepare a coffee worthy of the name. Of course, you can also opt for a programmable model to make things easier for you, depending on your habits.
- Temperature maintenance: this can make your life easier if it is easy to use and program. Otherwise, an insulated coffee pot will do the trick for people who do not want to program anything. Generally, at the end of the keep-warm time, the coffee maker will automatically switch off.
- Automatic shutdown: this is a highly recommended function, both for economic and safety reasons.
- Programme: although not practical for everyone, a programmable coffee maker can make your coffee at the time of the day that suits you best. This is particularly interesting for those who do not necessarily have the time to wait in the morning or for those who simply like to wake up to the smell of coffee.
- Coffee strength: this setting allows you to modify the aromas according to your taste. And as many experts advise, it is best to use freshly ground coffee for a good cup of coffee. As mentioned before, once ground, coffee beans quickly lose their flavour and freshness. The quality of a coffee also depends on the origin of the beans, the roasting and the grinding.
- Cleaning: to enjoy your coffee maker for a long time, it is essential to be able to clean it easily. Choose a model with a removable, swivelling filter holder that is dishwasher-safe (if possible). The coffee pot should have a large enough opening to be easily washable.
- Descaling indicator: some of the more sophisticated coffee machines have a descaling indicator and often a descaling programme to clean the machine thoroughly. By descaling your machine, you will be able to preserve the aroma of your coffee properly and extend the life of the machine.
- Anti-drip system: it allows you to serve yourself during the cycle, without having to wait for the end of the cycle and without the coffee falling on the hot plate and thus burning. It is very popular with people in a hurry, especially when the coffee maker has a large capacity.
Other coffee machines we recommend
Bosch TKA6A044 (£60.11 upon publication): lightweight with a well thought-out design. This model offers a 1.25 litre glass jug and 1200W of power. We particularly like its light weight and well thought-out design, with a removable filter holder and reservoir (the easiest to fill and maintain of those we tested). This model has a descaling alert, anti-drip system and an Aroma+ function for more intense coffee. Although some users have noticed leaks, we did not find this to be a problem in use. It is therefore our 3rd choice in the mid-range.
Cuisinart DCC780E (£89.90 en el momento de la publicación): a commitment to practicality. In addition to its attractive matt design, we found this model easier to use and clean than many of the others we tested. It takes a little longer to brew, but the coffee comes out quite well. In addition, its carafe offers a very nice total capacity of 1.8L. It also displays the time, which allows you to program a delayed start of up to 24 hours. By the way, it can keep warm for 40 minutes.
Other coffee machines put to the test
Melitta 6762887 Easy II (£42.64 upon publication): a compact model. This 1.25 litre coffee maker has a borosilicate glass jug, an automatic shut-off, an anti-drip suystem and a transparent, graduated water tank. It is very easy to use and very compact (it is the smallest machine we have tested). According to our tests, it keeps the coffee hot for 40 minutes. However, its anti-drip system is not the most effective and its plastic design is less robust than that of stainless steel machines. Note also that its lid only fits on, unlike the others in our selection which clip on.
Riviera & Bar CF540A (£88.29 upon publication): for a large capacity. This coffee maker offers the largest capacity of our comparison (1.8 L). It has a flavour selector for stronger or weaker coffee, a delayed start function for up to 24 hours, a descaling alert, a 30-minute keep warm function with a remaining time display and a permanent clock function. However, the filling opening is a little too narrow and the drip stop system is not always effective.
Translated by Aylin Akturk
