Best filter coffee machine for an essential brew

Undoubtedly, Sage the Precision Brewer Thermal stands out as the ultimate filter coffee machine. It has various brew basket options, pre-set strength settings and adjustable temperature for hot or cold craft coffee. What truly distinguishes it is the Precision Brewer function, enabling personalised brew and bloom times for a fruitier or bolder coffee profile. It's amazing to think that a filter coffee machine can actually be an appliance that coffee connoisseurs will love. The precise temperature control allows the coffee grounds to bloom in an optimum way that releases complex aromas and tasting notes.

Customer review: "I love filter coffee, but I admit to being a bit of a snob about it. This machine makes great coffee, and you can tweak it to your own taste. It is big, the insulated carafe holds 1.8ltrs. It makes a pot in about six minutes and it comes out hot and stays hot for a couple of hours. It has two filter baskets, a cone shape and a larger flat-bottomed one that will make up to 12 cups. There is a gold setting, a pour over, strong, quick and a cold brew as well as the personal brew. Love the auto function so I can wake up to fresh coffee in the morning."

This highly effective filter coffee machine from Moccamaster is a winner in every sense of the word. The Moccamaster KBG Select Filter Coffee Machine has received the highest possible award from the Speciality Coffee Association. It brews between 92–96°C, which is optimum for releasing coffee flavour and aroma. We also love that it's available in 21 colours to match your style. All Moccamaster machines are handmade in the Netherlands. The hotplate will keep a full or half carafe of coffee warm for 40 minutes before it automatically shuts off.

Customer review: "You have to like brewing coffee, the whole performance. Weighing, grinding and waiting, but if you do, you'll rewarded with the best cup of coffee you've ever tasted. No wonder they've been making these machines for the last 60-odd years."

The Melitta Aroma Elegance Deluxe impresses with elegance, practicality, and precision. Endorsed by the European Coffee Brewing Centre, this superb filter coffee machine is meticulously crafted to achieve the perfect coffee flavour at the ideal temperature. It has a drip-stop filter, clear water tank markings, and a timer, so it's super user-friendly. With energy-efficient LED lights, a dual-element setup, auto-off, and power-saving mode for smaller brews, it will fit seamlessly into your daily coffee routine.

Customer review: "The machine is simple to use, easy to clean, looks good and makes good coffee (obviously dependant on the quality of the coffee and the filter papers being used). I usually make 2–4 cups of coffee at a time, and the thermal carafe keeps the coffee hot for at least an hour."

This compact pot is perfect for keeping coffee hot and has a treat in store for coffee lovers with its pour-over function. With easy controls, a sleek hourglass shape, and dual brewing functions, this De'Longhi ICM 17210 Filter Coffee Machine delivers a satisfying cup of Joe that gets the most out of your ground coffee. Also, it can keep coffee warm for 40 extra minutes—great for busy mornings. As this is a drip coffee maker, paper filters are needed. De'Longhi has a range of robust and user-friendly coffee machines, and this simple appliance stands out.

Customer review: "This is a very good coffee machine, it has great functions, a standard drip function, but also a flow controlled ‘pour over’ function which would be more like a V60 you would receive in a proper speciality coffee shop. It brews the water to between 92–96°C (which is the correct temperature for pour over) so I would definitely recommend this machine to someone who would consider themselves a real coffee lover."

‎For a sleek and stylish appliance, look no further than the Bosch Styline TKA8013G Filter Coffee Machine. It boasts a clever design, too, with two heaters: one that heats the brew water to 92–96°C and the second that keeps the brewed coffee at 80–85°C in the jug. This means whether you brew a full jug or half, you still have the full benefit of incredible coffee aroma being released. Also, if you love this aesthetic, there's a matching kettle and toaster available.

Customer review: "Excellent coffee machine. Strong and hot coffee, Bosch never let you down. Very happy with my purchase."

Morphy Richards offers an affordable filter coffee machine that exceeds expectations. Artisan ceramics inspired this design, and a matching toaster and kettle are available. The Morphy Richards 163006 Verve Filter Coffee Machine goes some way to bridging the gap between the superior taste of manual pour-over coffee and standard filter coffee. It has a showerhead dripping process that emulates traditional drip coffee. We love that this has a reusable filter with a thoughtful design that ensures coffee is evenly extracted.

Customer review: "We just wanted a basic filter coffee machine, and this hits the nail on the head perfectly. Takes about six minutes to brew and keeps warm for a further 20 minutes or so. It has a useful programmable timer, so that the coffee is ready for when you want it. Easy to clean, and warranty can be extended to two years by registering online."

Embrace a touch of nostalgia with the Russell Hobbs 20680 Buckingham Filter Coffee Machine, evoking a 1980s coffee morning. Yet, this appliance has some modern updates: it features a removable filter holder to make cleaning a bit easier. Also, the clear digital display shows the timer setting, and it has a showerhead-style filter for more flavourful coffee. Make ten large cups and invite the neighbours around.

Customer review: "Bought this as an alternative to a cafetière, and it’s been a great investment. Easy to set up, use and clean. Keeps coffee warm as per description. Just remember to buy size four filters if you want to use it straight away."

If time is of the essence, the Morphy Richards Evoke coffee machine is your go-to choice. Its ultra-compact size, rapid operation, and user-friendly Fast Brew feature can cater to your haste. Moreover, it's fantastic value for money for an appliance with a timer, shower head drip functionality and the capacity to brew 12 cups. The push button controls are simple to use, and there are clear water gauge markers on both the jug and the water tank.

For black coffee enthusiasts or when brewing for multiple people, the Salter EK4368 Black 750ml Caffe Bean-To-Jug Filter Coffee Maker offers an affordable bean-to-cup solution. It expertly grinds whole beans and brews two large cups of fresh coffee. It's also compatible with ground coffee – hence why we've included it here. Easy to operate and cost-effective.

Customer review: "Really easy to use, and the programming so coffee is ready when I get up is glorious. Makes great coffee once you get the quantities right. Doesn’t need many coffee beans for a strong flavour. I like the fact you can use ground coffee or beans."

The Judge Filter Coffee Machine with Permanent Filter and Glass Jug has a small footprint and would fit neatly on a worktop or even an office pedestal. No bells and whistles, this budget filter coffee machine will make a couple of coffees to see you through the morning. What is great is that it has a permanent filter, so there's no faffing around with paper filters.

Customer review: "Very good value. Quick and efficient for making two mugs of coffee."