Are you falling out of love with your French press?

Is it a while since you have drunk a really smooth and mellow cup of coffee?

Although the filters in French presses have come a long way since the early days when cheesecloth was used, many single filters still don’t trap all the grounds.

Perhaps you should ditch your French press and try another brewing method?

Or perhaps you should stick with what you know and buy a French press with a double filter?

One of the nicest parts about making coffee with a French press is the fact that it gives you so much control of the brewing coffee.

You get to decide the size of grounds to use, the temperature of the water to use and how long you will wait for the coffee to brew.

It is a method for a real connoisseur with an eye for detail.

And it is a real shame, when such a sensory process is ruined by rogue coffee grounds.

Which is precisely why some french press manufacturers created a product with an extra filter (or two or three!)

So what are the most important features to look out for in your french press with a double filter?

Features

[1] Dual Filter

To state the obvious, one of the most important features that your next French press must have, is a dual filter- or at least more than one filter.

You are sick and tired of tasting grounds in your coffee or you don’t want to drink the coffee sludge at the bottom of your cup.

Make sure that the French presses that you are looking at have multi filters.

[2] Materials

Filters

The best filters in french presses use a certain grade of stainless steel that is designed to be used with food or drink. 304 grade or 18/10 grade stainless steel is made to stay rust free forever.

After that, your only decision is whether to buy a glass French press or an insulated French press.

BPA Free Plastic

Just make sure that any plastic part of your press is BPA free.

BPA is a toxic chemical compound which was used widely in the plastic industry from the 1960s.

Unfortunately, it was found to be potentially very harmful to humans because it can interfere with our hormones and bans were introduced in the early 2000s and most manufacturers now don’t use it.

But to be safe, just double check.

Borosilicate Glass

Finally in this section on materials, if you do opt for a glass French press, make sure that it is made from borosilicate glass.

This is a special type of glass which has boron oxide added to it to make it much more resistant to heat than standard glass.

Borosilicate glass is built to withstand boiling or near boiling water whilst ordinary glass isn’t.

[3] Size

How much coffee do you like to drink or how many people do you regularly make coffee for?

Most of the French Presses in my comparison make 8 cups or have a 34 oz.capacity which is the perfect for a multi cup coffee addict or someone who makes a pot of coffee for a group of colleagues.

[4] Use & Handling

It is easy to become a little obsessive when we are looking for things to buy.

We start out with a list of key qualities that product X must have and then we find a product that we like and all of a sudden we are going off on a tangent and looking at products that don’t quite meet our needs.

Stay focused during your research.

If you are a bit clumsy and you have a tendency to knock your French press then you might want to stay away from a glass one.

Or if you like to make a pot that you will drink over a few hours, then narrow your search down and only look at French presses that are insulated.

[5] Lifetime Warranty

Any item that you will use regularly needs a very good warranty, preferably for life.

After all the time and money that you have spent on your new French press, it will be a shame to waste it if for some reason your French press breaks through no fault of your own.

And now, let’s take a look at my favorite french presses, all of which have at least two filters.

Cafe Du Chateau 34 oz French Press

Features

When it comes to getting that perfectly smooth cup of coffee, you are going to want a French Press maker which delivers a filter system beyond your wildest dreams, which is exactly what this little beauty has to offer you.

The 4 level filtration system works to deliver you the purest brew imaginable, with absolutely no grounds left, ruling out any sorry sludge, and delivering a cup of coffee you can be proud of.

As well as delivering a great cup of Joe it is also very easy to clean, easy to use and easy to understand why so many people love it.

If there was one downside, it would be the few complaints at the handle being of poor design, with some finding it to break after just a couple of weeks.

It is not the cheapest on the market, so these breakages can be very frustrating, but with that said, it is arguably the best tasting coffee out there.

Want to know more? Buy on Amazon

Ritual French Coffee Press, Bamboo Wood, Borosilicate Glass

Another French Coffee Press with a great filtration system is the Ritual French Coffee Press.

It might not be of the same 4 level filtration system as the previous make but it does have a dual layer precision filter which delivers a smooth and delicious cup of coffee for you to enjoy, with little to no grounds left behind.

While the previously mentioned French Press does seem to have some design and durability issues, that is definitely not the case with what we have for you here.

Not only does the Ritual French Coffee Press have a top notch design, it is also up there with the best in terms of durability.

However, there are the occasional complaints of broken handles, and warped lids, which are easily fixed anyway, since this does come with a lifetime guarantee, not that you are ever likely to need it.

When it comes to the taste and smoothness of the coffee itself, this doesn’t quite seem to suit everyone’s taste buds, with a few people annoyed with the amount of grounds which it seems to leave behind, making for a bitty cuppa.

However, there are plenty of others who have insisted that this is not actually a problem if you are using it right.

At about half the price of the usually French Coffee Press machines out there, this is definitely going to be money well spent.

Want to know more? Buy on Amazon

Sterling Pro French Press

Features

Now we have something which really does seem quite special.

When it comes to the future of the French Press coffee maker, this has really revolutionised the way things are done, by introducing the first ever French Press to offer a unique two screen system.

With the first screen making sure to brush the wall as tight and as even as possible, the second screen takes over to assure that it does not let even the tiniest of coffee grounds get through.

As if that was not impressive enough, you can even use this for a number of other functions, allowing you to not only have a delicious cup of coffee, but also getting to decide between tea, hot chocolate, frothy milk, cashew milk, almond milk, cold brew, lemonade, herbal drinks, fruit infusions, and plant tinctures, all thanks to the ability to keep all of the aromas and flavours inside.

There is no denying that this is quite possibly the best at what it does.

If there were to be any negatives, it would probably be that it could be a little bit bigger, while the price is a little on the high side, although it is worth every cent.

Want to know more? Buy on Amazon

BASA French Press Coffee Maker, (34oz)

Features

Another French Press which boasts a four level filter system, is the BASA French Press Coffee Maker, which is up there with the others of its kind in terms of quality.

A lot of people have suggested that too many coffee grounds get through for their liking but, taking that into consideration, it still does manage to deliver a great cup of coffee. It is simple to use, even for a newbie with no experience of the French Press, and is also very easy to clean.

While there have been some complaints that this machine is not durable enough and is prone to break fairly easily, it seems that this is a tiny complaint among a small group of people. However, if you handle this correctly and use it as you are supposed to, then you will not find any issue with it at all.

With that said, it is not exactly on the cheap side of French Press coffee makers and you can easily get something cheaper but then you might have to sacrifice the quality for the price.

Want to know more? Buy on Amazon

Tartek French Press (34 oz.)

As with everything, there are some good things and some bad things to be aware of with the Tartek French Press Coffee Maker.

The end product is a beautiful tasting cup of Joe, thanks to the double fine mesh filters, which give it the ability to keep back almost all of the coffee grounds which go in, while still managing to let through those essential oils to deliver that beautiful taste.

As well as that, you can also mix things up by going for some cold drinks, instead of hot, with a wide range of different beverages to choose from.

The downsides to this French Press? Well it looks like the design is not exactly the best on the market, with the occasional complaint that it is too heavy and could improve with toning down some of the design features to make it lighter.

However, while it is on the upper end of the price scale, when it comes to the taste of the coffee, it is definitely worth the money, just be aware that it is prone to breaking under heavy handling.

Want to know more? Buy on Amazon

Travel press coffee mugs are great.

They combine the portability and convenience of travel mugs with the perfectly extracted, great tasting coffee a French press provides.

No longer do you have to sacrifice quality for convenience.

But, before you go out and buy just any old French press-style travel mug, consider these important features.

Size

A seemingly obvious feature, it’s important not to overlook this, when buying a travel press coffee mug.

Remember, that when brewing your coffee in the same container in which you are travelling with, you have to factor in your coffee grounds.

Coffee grounds take up space in addition to your water and brew pressing device.

The proper coffee ground to water ratio for French presses is approximately 2 tablespoons (0.5oz) per 6 oz. of water.

If you want to store and drink 12-oz of coffee for example, maybe go for a 14 – 16-oz mug.

Press Type & Filter

Also known as a plunger, there are many different types of presses with many different filters as well.

Most use a stainless-steel or micron meshed filter to make sure no coffee grounds get into the body of your coffee.

This is extremely important, considering you will be drinking straight from the mug.

Any travel press coffee mug that boasts a double-filtered system, locking mechanism or separate compartment for brewing is great and sure prioritize a fine filtration process.

Over extraction is something controllable by a good filter as well.

A lot of higher end travel press coffee mugs will have a system or special filter to stop the extraction process of your coffee once brewed.

**Pro tip: Any filter that is made for “coffee or loose-tea” will provide better filtration as loose-tea is odd in shape and requires fine filtration.

1. Insulation:

Being ‘double walled’ or ‘vacuum sealed’ are great features to have in your travel press coffee mug to maintain your coffees temperature.

Whether it be hot or cold, you want your coffee at the correct temperature to maintain its great taste and consistency. Double walled refers to the construction of the mugs outer body or walls. The thickness of the container’s walls, determine how much heat can enter or exit through them. If something is described as ‘double walled stainless-steel’, it means it has two layers of stainless-steel. Double-walled insulates better than single-walled, but not as great of an insulator as triple-walled. Vacuum sealed, means it reduces heat transfer through the air inside the mug or containers walls. If a travel press coffee mug is vacuum sealed it means it will maintain the liquids temperature well. The most common terms you will hear when describing a travel mugs insulation is ‘double-walled’ or ‘vacuum sealed’. The combination of the two, ‘double wall vacuum sealed’ is best.

1. Material:

For travel, you don’t want anything breakable or made with harmful chemicals that you could possibly ingest. Glass is breakable and plastic is often made with harmful chemicals that can leach into liquids (especially when heated). Stainless-steel has proven to be the best material for travel mugs. It is both durable and can be made without the use of chemicals such as BPA’s; which are often found in plastics. Parts of your travel press coffee mug are ok to be made from plastic, but ideally you don’t want any plastic coming into contact with anything you will ingest. This means water, loose tea or coffee grounds. If possible, it is always best to go with anything that states ‘BPA FREE’. Silicon is a great alternative to plastic and can be used in a variety of different ways.

**BPA stands for bisphenol A. It is an industrial chemical, used since the 1960’s and has been proven to be harmful to humans when ingested.

1. Cleanability:

One reason why you may have chosen to research buying a travel press coffee mug is for convenience. Being able to brew, store and drink all from the same container is very handy and requires less cleanup than its alternatives. To make things even easier, try to find a travel press coffee mug that is dishwasher safe and with an easy to rinse filter.

1. Spill / Leak Proof:

There’s nothing worse than leakage or spillage… especially when it comes to coffee. An extremely important aspect of any mug designed for travel is that it is both leak and spill proof. Ideally, you want something you can store in your bag, lay on its side and move around a lot without having to worry about it leaking or spilling. Some mugs, will have a locking mechanism for travel, others a sealant ring around the lid. If a manufacturer has put extra effort into making their product ‘Leak-Free’ or ‘Spill-Proof’ they will often advertise it. Most travel press coffee mugs do prioritize this, but it never hurts to take a look at the consumer reports or reviews to see if anyone has had issues with a leaky or spill prone travel container.

1. Lid Type:

The lid type is actually quite important and does not only effect how you drink your coffee. It’s the one piece of a travel press coffee mug that ties everything together. Insulation, drinkability, press type and spillage are all effected, controlled and can benefit from a good lid. If you want a travel mug that can be stored in a pack or bag, you probably don’t want a plunger handle sticking out of the top of it. If great coffee kept hot is what you’re after, maybe a dual-system or insulated lid will be handy. Some have locks to prevent spillage and others, handy carrying loops. Whatever your specific needs require, make sure you’re thinking about the lid type.

1. Grip:

Generally, this aspect of a conventional travel mug is an afterthought. When it comes to travel press coffee mugs this is actually very important. A travel press (for travel) can entail brewing sometimes in peculiar or less than steady circumstances. Even if your travel press coffee mug is merely for your morning commute, it’s always nice to have a good handle on things. Silicon is a popular (and frankly the best), option for outer hand grips. It’s a great insulator, heat protectant and is soft to the touch… plus silicone is 100% BPA free! It ticks all the boxes and is a great addition to any travel mug, especially when used in place of plastic.

Ideal Buyer for Travel Press Coffee Mugs

If you are interested in, or have decided to make the switch to a travel press coffee mug, you are most likely someone that is busy or takes coffee on-the-go. But that doesn’t mean you still don’t appreciate the taste and consistency of great coffee. Travel presses (especially French press style) coffee mugs are a convenient way to enjoy coffee, brewed the way it should be. This is by hand and with the close attention of an experienced, smart coffee connoisseur. Or in less pretentious terms, someone that loves properly brewed coffee!

Whether you’re a student, working professional, busy stay-at-home parent, commuter or travelling nomad, a travel press coffee mug is the perfect choice for you!

Bodum Travel French Press

Features

In terms of price, the Bodum Travel Press is pretty average. But, in terms of convenience, it is much more than that.

Consumers love this all in one; brewing, drinking and heat-maintaining, mug, as it has become very popular… and for good reason too!

Its sleek design with metal accents and color options, give it a very modern and hip look.

In fact, it looks just like a stylish travel mug. So much so, that the fact that you can actually brew coffee on-the-go with it as well as transport it, is almost unnoticeable.

Double vacuum sealed walls, keep the heat and freshness of your coffee preserved for hours.

This particular travel press from Bodum can hold up to 15-oz of coffee at a time, comes with a spill resistant lid, built-in French press style plunger and silicon hand grips.

It is dishwasher safe and customers love it for its convenience as well as sleek design.

It can brew, transport, and keep your coffee hot for hours. The all-in-one, Bodum Travel Press, is perfect for anyone who appreciates style along with portable and great tasting coffee.

Like what you see? Buy on Amazon

Espro Travel Coffee Press

Features

This is a higher-end, travel coffee press made by Espro.

Being that it is a higher-end device, you would naturally expect it to have some number of heightened features, improved design or capabilities…. and it does.

You will not be disappointed when using this travel press for coffee or tea. With an intelligent, basket shaped, two-filter system, you’ll be assured to never experience any grit or residual coffee grounds when drinking your coffee.

This sleek and simple looking travel press has color options and looks just like your standard travel mug.

This is in part because it can also be used as just a standard travel mug. As well as being able to brew up to 10-oz of coffee directly in it, you can also use it as a travel mug, holding up to 15-oz of already brewed coffee.

It is made with a double wall vacuum sealed stainless-steel body.

The two-filter (or microfilter) system allows for French press brewing as well as the ability to brew pour-over coffee.

It is compatible with paper filters if you prefer less oily coffee with zero chance of grittiness. Its filtration system also stops coffee extraction automatically once the press plunger is pushed down.

If you are primarily a tea drinker, and love loose-leaf tea, you can opt for the ‘Tea Filter’, in which coffee extraction can be stopped with the touch of a button. With this option the tea is also filtered twice.

All of this, with the added ability to keep your coffee or tea hot for 4-6 hours is why customers absolutely love this two-filter, travel French press and pour over travel mug.

If you’re someone that hates grit and loves intelligently designed and versatile coffee brewing on-the-go, then you’ll love this travel coffee press from Espro.

Like what you see? Buy on Amazon

Stanley Classic Vacuum Travel Press

Features

A mid-ranged classic travel press mug for the average coffee drinker.

‘Classic’ is the best way to describe the Stanley Classic Vacuum Travel Press Mug because of its design and physical appearance.

Resembling a retro travel thermos, this 160z teal colored press mug looks as if it belongs in a black and white movie, or best enjoyed in the back of an air-stream trailer.

It’s made from stainless-steel, is vacuum sealed and BPA-free.

Being able keep coffee (or general liquids) hot for 4-hours, cold for 5-hours, and frozen for 20-hours, makes it great for long hiking trips or adventures.

To help facilitate these activities, it also has a foldable carrying loop, making it easy to secure or clip onto backpacks.

Its plunger device for brewing is unique, unattached to the lid and completely removeable (unlike many travel press coffee mugs).

This is a retro mug. Think hipster. Customers absolutely adore this travel press mug, but mainly for their emotional attachment to it.

For how cool it looks and how different it is than other mugs on the market. In terms of functionality, there are definitely other travel press coffee mugs on the market that can deliver better heat maintenance with more intuitive designs.

But for how unique it is, the cool look and overall feel it gives off, the Stanley Classic Vacuum Travel Press Mug is definitely a one-of-a-kind travel press coffee mug, for certain one-of-a-kind individuals.

Interested? Buy on Amazon

Zyliss E990001U Travel French Press

Features

As far as French press travel mugs go, this is about as economical as it gets.

The single-serve, Zyliss Travel French Press is a great and very budget-friendly option.

Judging by its appearance, you would never guess that this coffee mug has the ability to brew coffee as well.

It merely looks like a well-insulated, home-style, black coffee mug.

And although it is well insulated (being double walled to keep heat in), it is far from a standard home-style mug.

To use, merely add your coffee grinds as you would any other French press travel mug, and then your water.

Instead of a plunger style press, this particular mug uses a handheld, mesh filter that clips onto the side of the mug once pressed down all the way.

Once this is done, you can snap on the travel mug styled lid and voila!… you have a single serving of French press brewed coffee in a home-style, insulated mug.

Zyliss is known for their craftsmanship and using high-quality materials. This particular mug is made without the use of harmful chemicals such as BPA’s.

Feedback on this mug is overwhelmingly positive for its convenience and innovative design.

One drawback is sometimes gritty coffee. This is as a result of the small brewing capacity.

Although very convenient, there is no ability to stop the brewing process. If left for long periods of time, over extraction can occur and can cause gritty or thick coffee.

This is not uncommon among a lot travel press mugs, but more noticeable in a small container.

The solution to this is simple… drink your coffee faster!

For those who work in an office, at home or like to enjoy coffee conveniently in a home-style mug with little cleanup, the Zyliss Travel French Press Mug is a great option!

Like what you see? Buy on Amazon

Kohipress

Features

This is an amazingly priced, portable and all-around great, mid-ranged French press coffee brewer and travel mug.

Its smart, innovative and simple design has made it a staple for travellers, outdoor enthusiasts and anyone wanting to brew and enjoy perfect coffee on-the-go.

The Kohipress is all black, double-wall insulated and vacuum sealed and resembles an aero-press.

Its long, slender design makes it easy to pack away in your bag and allows you to brew 12-oz of perfect coffee wherever you are.

Using a full immersion steep, the Kohipress takes the word ‘plunger’ to a whole new level.

Its giant, pressurized plunger press has a patented self-locking system that separates used coffee grounds from your coffee once brewed to avoid over extraction.

A fine micron stainless-steel mesh keeps all grounds out of your coffee, and the entire device is very easy to clean.

The plunger is made from plastic, so if you are averse to plastic or possible BPA’s, another stainless-steel option might be a better choice for you.

Thinking of every aspect of portable coffee brewing / drinking, the Kohipress is leak-proof.

This is just one of the reasons why consumers love it. It’s truly one-of-a-kind and great for travel.

Like any one-of-a-kind product, there will always be imitators. But, for the reasonable price of the Kohipress, I would recommend going for the real thing as opposed to trying to save the marginal amount you would, by buying a knock-off for cheaper.

For a traveller or anyone wanting a great, portable, French press coffee brewer travel mug with no chance of grit or over extraction, the Kohipress is an obvious choice!

Interested? Buy on Amazon

Are you a very organised person?

Do you always like to plan ahead so that you can avoid any mishaps and make the best use of your time?

And, do you struggle to function without coffee?

Listen up then, because this article contains a selection of coffee makers that are right up your street.

And the key feature that these machines have is that they are all programmable.

A coffee maker that you will fit into your organised lifestyle.

A device that you can program to turn on automatically in a few hours time or tomorrow morning.

Now before we take a look at these coffee machines, let’s find out more about programmable function.

A coffee maker that is programmable can turn on automatically at some point within the next 24 hours.

This feature is great for people who don’t want a coffee immediately but they know that they will want one in the morning or when they get home from work.

And let’s face it, there are few things more annoying than trying to get a cup of coffee just as you are rolling out of bed or arriving home from a hard day at work.

Other Top Features

Although the feature that is of most interest in my selection is a timer, there are a few other features which can be found in all of the coffee makers in my comparison.

Brew Strength

Brew Strength is the ability of a coffee maker to adjust the strength of coffee by altering the amount of water that it adds to the brew. 

Various Sizes

Fancy a whole pot of coffee? Or just one cup?

Brew Pause

Are you in a rush and cannot wait for the whole pot of coffee to fill? All the coffee makers in my comparison have brew pause. 

Keurig K575

Features

Coming from the coffee powerhouse that is Keurig, the K575 single serve coffee maker boasts an impressive collection of features.

Although these extra features do mean that this coffee maker is a bit on the pricey side, this is generally a well respected machine.

It could be argued that its timing feature is one of the most basic features of this machine.

Nevertheless, it will still start automatically at any point within the next 24 hours.

And looking at the comments, the program function is one of the most highly rated features of this model.

You will never buy a Keurig because of their good looks but it’s plastic design is easy to clean and inoffensive.

But what other features does it offer?

Pod Power– Do you find ground coffee too fiddly and messy? This machine uses a massive selection of pods.

Touch Screen– Forget buttons. This puppy is controlled via a 2.8” color touch screen.

80 oz Water Reservoir- Is filling the water reservoir a chore? With the K575, you won’t need to.

Flexible Sizes- The K575 will make you a 4 oz. cup or a 30 oz. carafe and most sizes in between.

Strength Control– Do you sometimes crave a coffee with more of a kick? Just brew a “bolder” cup.

Ideal Buyer

This is a must buy for all those Keurig fans out there who want a coffee machine with a 24 hour time. It is a great choice for K Cup and single serve users.

Like what you see? Buy on Amazon

Cuisinart DCC 3400

Features

The Cuisinart DCC 3400 has a 24 hour hour program function which enables it to be automatically started at any point within the next 24 hours.

And judging by the reviews, this is a much liked feature of this machine.

Like most coffee makers out there, the Cuisinart is a mixture of stainless steel and black plastic which means that it doesn’t really stand out design- wise.

But it has an attractive digital display which is surrounded by a collection of cool looking buttons.

Added to that it’s corners are curved lending the machine a softer look.

As well as it’s programming functions, this device comes with a range of power features that you will not find on coffee makers.

Adjustable Warming Plate– Set your warming plate to high, medium or low so that your coffee at the perfect temperature for you.

Brew Strength– At the press of a button, you can make a bolder and stronger coffee.

Flexible Volume- Although this machine can brew up to 12 cups of coffee, it is flexible enough to also brew 1- 4 cups.

Brew Pause- Can’t wait for a full pot of coffee? With brew pause you can enjoy a cup of coffee before the brewing cycle ends, without making a mess.

Self Cleaning-  This Cuisinart model will also clean itself. Now that it what you call handy.

Ideal Buyer

If you crave a coffee machine with a timer that brews pots of coffee with no nonsense, then you won’t go too far wrong with this.

Like what you see? Buy on Amazon

Cuisinart SS15

Features

The cuisinart SS15 is a totally different coffee animal from any other machines in my comparison.

But what of its program function?

Well, it can be programmed to turn on automatically within the next 24 hours and it can be programmed to turn off anytime up to 4 hours after this.

The design is nothing to write home about, with a run of the mill mix of stainless steel and black plastic. 

It does, at least, offer a few alternate color schemes- including copper and black stainless. 

Which will suit any kitchen or none at all!

The SS15 is a two way brewer, which means that it can brew a full pot of coffee or just a single cup of coffee and it has dedicated space for a thermal carafe or a travel mug.

What are its other star attractions?

Glass Carafe- With room for 12 cups of coffee, which is BPA free and it has a stainless steel handle.

Gold Plated– Bored of constantly ordering paper filters? A gold plated filter can last forever.

Temperature Control– Your coffee is guaranteed to be brewed at the optimal temperature.

Strength Control– Choose between regular and bold brew strengths.

Single Serve Sizes– 6, 8 or 10 oz

Flexible Pods– Accepts K Cups, Home Barista Pod and Cuisinart Coffee Bar pods

Ideal Buyer

This is a very attractive coffee machine for a person who regularly drinks coffee on the go and makes a full pot of coffee when they are not in quite such a rush!

Want to know more? Buy on Amazon

Black and Decker DLX1050B

Features

Let’s face it, the DLX1050B will not win any beauty contests but as one of the cheapest devices in my comparison, if you want a coffee maker with a timer and not much else and you are on a tight budget, then you might want to take a closer look at this model.

With only a few presses of a button on the front of this machine, you can plan to the nearest hour and minute that you want the DLX1050B to automatically turn on within 24 hours of the current time.

Some of the other key features on this Black and Decker coffee maker, include;

Brew Pause– if you cannot wait for the coffee pot to fill to the top, you can temporarily pause the brewing process to sneak a cup.

2 Hour Auto Shut Off

Water Level Indicator

Ideal Buyer

This is the machine for the buyer who is on a budget. Someone who is looking for a no frills programmable coffee maker that makes good coffee.

Ninja 12 Cup (CE201)

The Ninja CE201 is another in a long line of coffee makers with a drab design.

But, it has a 24 hour programming function and so that ticks one of your biggest boxes, right?

Although it is stainless steel (much like the Cuisinart DC3400) it also has lots of black plastic on view and black plastic can never be stylish.

In terms of price, in my comparison it is mid range.

Review- wise, this is a very highly thought of coffee maker.

And so, what else do you get for your money?

Strength Control– Choose between a standard or rich strength of coffee.

Big or Small– This 12 cup machine can also brew a smaller 4 cup batch.

Exquisite Brewing– Consistent temperature, blooming and saturation techniques all play a part in the brewing process.

60 oz. Water Filter– It can be removed to allow you to fill it with ease.

Brew Pause– Can’t wait? Just remove the carafe and pour yourself a cup.

Ideal Buyer

This coffee maker is ideal for a drip coffee fan who wants a programmable machine that makes a great cup of coffee.

Fancy this? Buy on Amazon

Coffee Filters have become a very important part of making the perfect cup of Joe and they have developed a lot over the years.

The very first coffee filter was created way back in 1908 by a German housewife named Melitta Bentz, who become frustrated by the bitter taste you get from boiling those loose grounds, so developed the first ever paper coffee filter.

After realising how great this new paper coffee filter was, she patented it and went on to create her own paper filter company, selling small to begin with, before expanding further afield.

110 years later there are a wide range of different coffee filters for a coffee lover to choose from and I am going to help you find the perfect filter for you.

Paper Filter Type

When it comes to choosing the right paper coffee filter for you, then you really need to choose between one of these three types; Bleached, Unbleached, and Bamboo.

Bleached

 The bleached paper filter is not too different from the unbleached paper, with the biggest difference between the two being, you guessed, the bleached being bleached white, while the unbleached is not. There are two main ways in which a bleached paper filter is actually bleached. The chlorine bleaching, which is seen by many as being very damaging to the environment, and then the oxygen bleaching, which will still not great is seen to be much better for the environment than chlorine bleaching. Be sure to keep an eye out for which bleaching technique has been used on your bleached paper filter.

Unbleached:

There is no denying that, while the unbleached paper filter might not look quite as attractive as the bright white bleached filter, it is so much better for the environment. Unbleached paper filters do not require the same high level of processing as bleached filters, which is why they are that much more environmentally friendly. Meanwhile, the taste of an unbleached filter can be a lot more papery than that of a bleached filter, but with a good rinse you should be able to get rid of that paper taste and all will be well with the flavour of your cup of Joe.

Bamboo:

Now bamboo filters are something which is relatively new compared to your bleached or unbleached paper filters and one of the best things about the bamboo filter is the fact that it is extremely environmentally friendly, with the bamboo being a completely renewable resource. Made from 60% bamboo and with absolutely no chemicals, the bamboo filter is the way to go for the good of the planet. As for the taste and flavour, many feel that the bamboo filter actually makes a better tasting cup of Joe than its rivals, so it really is regarded as the best paper filter out there.

Permanent Filter Type

While the paper filter is the original king of the coffee filter world, there are now many people who much prefer to use a permanent filter, with there being three types in particular which you will want to consider: Gold, Stainless Steel, and Nylon.

Gold:

When it comes to the gold plated permanent coffee filter, they are basically the same as the stainless steel filters, just with the fact that they have a gold plating. This type of filter is easy to fit and remove, making it easy to clean. When it comes to the taste of the coffee when using a gold filter, it lets very little amounts of the coffee grounds through, while still letting the coffee keep those natural oils for a great tasting cup of Joe. There are some very high quality gold plated filters out there and the better the quality, the better the taste of the coffee.

Stainless Steel:

As we just mentioned, there is not too much of a difference between the gold plated permanent filters and the stainless steel filter, with both doing a very similar job. With that said, it does seem to be a common consensus that the stainless steel filter does seem to let a little bit more of the coffee grounds through, while keeping back some of those important oils, so the taste of you finished cup of coffee is not quite going to be at the same high level as that of the gold plated filters. With that said though, you can get your hands on a stainless steel permanent filter for much less than the price of a gold plated one, so it all depends how important flavour and taste is to you.

Nylon:

he nylon permanent coffee filter is not really up to the same standards of the stainless steel or gold plated filters for a number of reasons. First off, the nylon filter is made of a synthetic material which makes it much harder to clean than the other two mentioned. As well as that, it is simply of a much lower quality and will not last anywhere near as long as the others. Finally the taste, it does not take too long for the nylon filter to start giving you an acidic taste to your cup of coffee, which nobody wants. With that said, the nylon filter is much cheaper than the gold or stainless steel filter, so again, it really is up to you to decide what is the most important for your cuppa.

Cloth Filters

Finally we have the cloth filters, which seem to be a bit hit and miss with coffee lovers but, if cloth filters are what you are after, then you again have three which you might want to look at: Cotton, Hemp, and Muslin.

Cotton:

While the paper coffee filters are the original of the coffee filter world, it is probably fair to say that they have been surpassed by the other filters out there. The cotton filter lets through much more of the natural oils than the paper filters but not quite as much as the permanent filters, so it is somewhere in the middle of the two, giving you a better tasting coffee than the paper filters but not quite up to the standard of the permanent filters. The same can be said for the cleaning process, as it is easier to clean than the paper filters, but not as easy as the permanent filters. Then we have to price which, as you can of course guess, is somewhere in between the two again.

Hemp:

With the hemp coffee filters you can kind of take on board everything we have said about the cotton filters but there are a few differences. Some people have found that the hemp filters do tend to start to fall apart after a while, which can lead to some bits ending up in your cup of coffee. There have also been some complaints that they are much more difficult to clean than the cotton filters. With that said though, if you are willing to take a bit of mess on board and keep renewing your filter every time it falls apart, then you can get the hemp filters for quite a low price. Not a great filter but probably a small step up from the paper filters.

Muslin:

Again, with the muslin coffee filter you are going to find that there is going to be a lot of cleaning involved with them but, unlike the hemp filters, it seems that the muslin filters are actually much easier to clean and can take a lot of cleaning before they start to deteriorate in quality. Many people seem split on whether muslin filters or cotton filters are the best of the cloth filters, so it really does come down to personal preference. The muslin makes a solid tasting cup of Joe and is not too expensive either but, if I had to recommend one to you, the cotton just edges it for me.

Coffee Filter Sizes

When it comes to choosing the size of the coffee filter you want, you have so many different options to choose from, it all really depends on the amount of coffee you are looking to make. The typical cone sizes are #1, #2, #4, and #6, with the bigger of the filters being able to make up to around 12 cups of coffee in one useage. Be careful not to opt for a cheap coffee filter though, no matter the size, as you will find that they do not have the quality to deliver the delicious cuppa you are after.

How to Make a Homemade Coffee FIlter

If you ever find yourself without a coffee filter and no easy way of getting your hands on one, then you can use this technique to make your very own homemade coffee filter. All you need to do this is, your hot water source, you coffee grounds and then a nice clean sock.

Step 1: Put a few scoops of your desired coffee grounds into the clean sock

Step 2: Put the coffee-filled sock over your cup, with the lower half hanging inside.

Step 3: Slowly pour your hot water into the coffee-filled sock.

Step 4: Allow the fresh coffee to come through the bottom of the sock.

Step 5: Enjoy your fresh cup of Joe.

It really is that simple. An old sock does not need to be thrown away. Just make sure it is clean and then turn it into your new, homemade coffee filter.

Emergency Coffee Filters

An old sock is not the only way that you can can make an emergency coffee filter. Here are a few other techniques that also work fine.

Napkins or Paper Towels:

It really is simple to just shape the napkins or paper towels into the shape of the filter and then use it in the same way that you would use an actual paper filter.

Toilet Paper:

It might not sound like the most hygienic way to make a coffee filter but, if you really are in desperate need of a coffee filter, then you can also use toilet paper in the same way.

Cheesecloth:

This is another great emergency replacement but remember, the finer the cheesecloth, the better the coffee, as less ground will make it through the filter.

Fine Cloth:

If you happen to have some fine cloth around, make sure to clean it up and then fit it into the coffee filter shape. Be sure to use one that is going to be able to let the water run through but not the actual coffee grounds.

Cuisinart DCC-1200 Brew Central 

Features

The Cuisinart Brew Central is a simple, classic machine that uses a permanent, removable gold-tone coffee filter.

This ensures smooth coffee with the convenience of being dishwasher safe. Along with being machine washable (much like its 12-cup glass carafe), gold-tone filters are made to last, and make your life easier… no more wondering if you picked up coffee filters on the way home!

This machine is compact, to the point and has a classic stainless-steel exterior.

Its additional features are pretty standard. If you don’t feel like waiting for an entire pot to brew, you can utilize the brew-pause feature as well as small batch brewing.

If you are looking for a mid-range coffeemaker and hate the idea of waste, due to using paper filters, the Brew Central is a great choice for you.

Thousands have chosen this machine as their go to for at home coffee brewing and customer feedback has been consistently positive. Most, love this machine for the pure coffee taste it provides.

This is as a result of not only using a permanent gold-tone coffee filter but a charcoal water filter as well to ensure water is at its purest prior to being brewed.

Interested? Buy on Amazon

Cuisinart DCC-1100BK

Features

Complete with a custom measuring scoop, this machine uses a charcoal water filter and gold-tone coffee filter to brew your coffee.

This keeps your coffee smooth, clear and properly proportioned. Existing owners really love this machines gold-tone, permanent coffee filter.

It keeps coffee tasting like… coffee!

And not plastic. This permanent filter comes with handle for easy removal. Once you’re done brewing coffee, just pull it out and empty any old grinds into the garbage or compost.

It’s even machine washable!

Its exterior is black, with steel accents and although basic in its features, this machine offers some handy additions such as an ergonomic handle, knuckle guard and drip-free pouring.

It is an affordably priced, mid-range machine, that is easy to use and environmentally friendly.

With, of course, a permanent, removable coffee filter. These are just some of the reasons why it has become widely popular among consumers.

This machine is well-liked overall, although it doesn’t have any real wow-factor.

For a 12-cup pot-style coffee-maker, with easy-to-use controls, charcoal filtration and a permanent, reusable coffee filter, this is a great buy.

It is priced very reasonably and great for the average coffee drinker who doesn’t want to use paper filters any longer.

So, ditch the paper filters and enjoy a great cup of coffee from Cuisinart!

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Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker with Thermal Carafe Option

Features

Mr. Coffee wants you to enjoy pure, filtered coffee free of any chlorine-like taste.

Pure tasting coffee starts with pure water and this machine from Mr. Coffee, filters water to ensure that up to 97% of its chlorine is removed.

It uses a removable flat bottomed, basket shaped coffee filter for easy cleaning and to ensure all of your coffee grinds are completely covered in water when brewing.

This also ensures great tasting and fully extracted coffee.

Mr. Coffee has always made funky looking machines.

And this particular pot-style machine is no different.

It has a curved frontal profile highlighted by stainless steel accents.

Its 12-cup carafe has a curved, ergonomic handle as well.

With options for a thermal carafe to keep your coffee hotter for longer and such features as a freshness timer and automatic shut-off, consumers really like this machine.

Thousands upon thousands have chosen to rely on Mr. Coffee for their morning cup coffee and are grateful for it.

If any, criticism on this particular machine is that it could come standard with a gold-tone removable filter as opposed to a plastic one it currently comes with.

Many users dislike the hassle of using paper filters and the taste they provide with the standard filter basket.

Metal or nylon, reusable filters produce much better tasting coffee, not to mention creating less waste.

For those who would like the added feature of a gold-tone, metal coffee filter, Mr. Coffee does sell one separately. It can easily be used in place of the standard plastic basket.

With this addition, you can enjoy well-filtered water as well as clean tasting coffee without any papery taste or hassle that comes along with using paper or disposable filters.

For a coffee-maker that has already amassed thousands of fans around the world, Mr. Coffee has you covered.

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BLACK+DECKER 5-Cup Coffeemaker, Black, (DCM600B)

Features

Black + Decker knows appliances. They know their clientele just as well. They keep things simple and deliver what is important.

And in this case, that is a coffee-maker, with a removable filter at an affordable price.

So, how can you make the most out of this inexpensive, entry-level machine? By taking matters into your own hands an upgrading. In this case, you’ll be upgrading the removable, plastic coffee filter.

This machine comes standard with a reusable, removable plastic basket with a flat-bottomed design.

One that you would use paper filters with. But if you don’t want to use paper filters, then don’t!

Simply purchase a metal, nylon or gold-tone coffee filter / basket separately and use it instead. Black + Decker uses a standard basket size, so replacements are easy to come by.

And the great thing is, this machine is already designed for flat bottomed baskets, which are better for coffee extraction anyways.

The result, is pure tasting, smooth coffee without the wastefulness or hassle of using paper coffee filters at an unbeatable price-point!

Besides a very fitting, all black exterior, there is a water fill line and ON / OFF switch. That’s about it.

The machine itself is small, simple, to the point and hassle-free.

Most criticism from customers on this machine is misplaced, because for a machine as inexpensive as this one is, you can’t expect top-of-the-line performance.

It’s perfect for dorms, small spaces or infrequent users.

**Just make sure you use our coffee-filter life hack, if you want the get the most out of you Black + Decker 5-Cup coffee-maker!

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Hamilton Beach 49980Z 2-Way Brewer

Features

This machine is referred to as a ‘2-way Brewer’ although it offers many more options than just two.

It is a pot-style, single serve, pod-style and drip coffee maker all built in to one!

Two different sized, removable brewing baskets does in fact give you ‘2-way’ brewing although, the expression seems to sell the machine short. 1 removable, flat bottom basket allows for brewing of up to 12-cups of coffee without the need of paper filters.

The other single-serve basket, actually doubles as a scooper… and triples as a pod-style soft pod basket!

Remove the single-serve mesh basket to brew up to 14-ounces of drip coffee or insert a soft pod of any brand. Now that’s versatility!

Resembling more of a science project than a coffee-maker, this unique machine pairs well with any modern kitchen and has a brushed steel exterior.

It rates very high with customers as well, mainly for its versatility and ease-of-use.

Are you looking to brew a whole pot of coffee? …great!

Only need to fill up your travel mug? …even better!

Do you want a single serving of coffee using any soft-pod on the market plus have the ability to fill up your brew basket with loose grounds if you so choose? …the Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brewer can help with that too!

All this, at an affordable mid-range price-point and fewer design issues than that of its competitors.

Hamilton Beach knows coffee-makers and knows how to deliver convenience as well… in more ways than one!

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A phenomenon in hybrid coffee-makers is here!

Internally brewed, heated and stored, large quantity single-serve coffee-makers (also known as brew-stations) combine the convenience of pod-style single-serve machines with the quality of freshly brewed drip or pour over coffee.

Store up to 12 cups inside your machine for hours on end without the need for a carafe or hot-plate and enjoy any size of coffee, whenever you want!

Who can use a brew-station?

With no cleanup and no chance of coffee-spillage, brew-stations are perfect for shared spaces such as offices, workplaces or environments in which cleaning, rinsing or possibly breaking carafe is out of the question.

And with no plastic pods, brew-stations are a much eco-friendlier option than wasteful pod-style machines… plus, you get to drink delicious drip coffee as well! Just fill up your mug / cup and your off to the races. It’s that simple!

Where brew-stations thrive

If you own a business, have employees or drink coffee in a shared area… or just can’t be bothered to wash out a carafe regularly, then don’t!

Ditch the pods, ditch the carafes and the hot-plates and make the switch to a brew-station instead!

Hamilton Beach (48464) Coffee Maker (With 12 Cup Capacity)

Features

If you are new to the idea of brew-stations and want something functional with a sleek aesthetic to match on top of the convenient features a brew-station offers, the Hamilton Beach 12-Cup BrewStation is a great choice at an even better price.

Brew and store up to 12 cups of freshly brewed drip coffee in its large, internally heated reservoir and enjoy a single-cup of coffee or re-fill your travel-mug whenever you want!

Internal heating is gentle on your coffee and never burns or over extracts it like hot-plates can.

The Hamilton Beach (48464 model) is extremely popular and is revered by happy consumers for its convenience, lack of potential cleanup from spillage and extra tall body; making it perfect for travel-mugs.

There’s no need to adjust the drip-tray to fit in a tall cup or travel-mug.

Its black with silver accented exterior, lets it blend into any professional workplace or business seamlessly.

If you have a large household, drink coffee in a shared space or would like freshly brewed and well-maintained coffee at the push of a button, you’ll love this machine.

The one-handed, pressure sensor lets you fill and re-fill your cup instantly.

Feedback from consumers has been largely positive considering the large volume of units sold.

Its one major critique is its seeming inability to keep coffee as hot as some would like (and as stainless-steel carafe might).

This is just something that you may need to sacrifice in exchange for the convenience of drip coffee, available in a single serving and ready immediately.

The Hamilton Beach (48464) BrewStation is a great way to break into the brew-station world without breaking the bank in the process.

Cuisinart DCC-3000 Coffee-on-Demand 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker

Features

This compact and programmable brew-station is all about convenience.

Pour one cup of coffee at a time with an easy-to-use actuator and keep an eye on your water level with viewing of its removable, double insulated water reservoir through a transparent window.

Keep track of your brew-stations coffee level with a handy fill gauge.

The Cuisinart DCC-3000 is small and has a modern look to it.

It is an improvement on an older model (DCC-2000) and offers a more compact, clean design with smoother edges, making it great for workplaces and businesses.

And if you want to use a tall cup or personal travel-mug, you can.

Just remove the drip tray and fill your travel-mug. It is a perfect mid-range coffee-maker for those who you love the convenience of a single-serve machine but like to brew in bulk.

It holds up to 12 cups of coffee at a time and water is ran through a charcoal filter prior to brewing to ensure the purest water possible.

If any, criticism has been directed towards the sometimes-leaky push bar actuator, although the machine remains widely popular.

Coffee snobs or those expecting perfectly bloomed coffee may turn up their nose at this machine, but for a mid-range, sleek, stylish coffee-maker that holds an entire pots worth of drip coffee that is ready at the press of a bar, this little device is a great choice!

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Cuisinart DCC-2000 Coffee-on-Demand

This is the older and possibly antiquated sibling to the Cuisinart DCC-3000.

Offering Coffee-on-Demand with a convenient actuator press-bar and displaying your coffees quantity using a fill gauge, you can brew up to 12 cups of drip coffee at a time, which is easily enjoyable one cup at a time.

With a blockier, more plain design than that of the newer version, the DCC-2000 does not offer the same sleek look.

That being said, it still remains a good mid-range machine backed with a 3-year warranty!

Self-cleaning, removable double-walled water reservoir, and small batch setting (1-4 cups) are all programmable features and come alongside that of standard brew-station qualities such as internal storage, heating and ‘carafe-less’ design.

Like any brew-station type coffee-maker, it is ideal for you if you dislike the idea of possibly spilling coffee when pouring it from a carafe into your mug or don’t like using hot-plates to maintain your coffees heat.

If you like the look, and can still get your hands on one of these machines, then great!… but there have been some improvements made to the newer, DCC-3000, model.

The DCC-3000 has considered and improved mechanical issues, problems with the fill gauge meter as well as done its best to seal off any leaky actuator bar issues.

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Hamilton Beach (Model 48465) 

Clean. Simple. Easy. These are all words that come to mind when thinking of the Hamilton Beach BrewStation coffee-maker series.

They are a travel-mug owner’s dream and this model is no exception.

The Hamilton Beach (48465) BrewStation stores and dispenses freshly brewed drip coffee directly into your travel-mug or tall cup without the need to be adjusted for height.

It is built tall enough for travel-mugs and makes grabbing a single-cup, or mug, easy with the one handed, pressure activated dispenser.

It dispenses coffee straight into your mug without the need for a carafe or hot-plate and is heated internally within the machine.

This means no hot-plate and no burnt coffee taste!

You can use the transparent window on the removable water reservoir to keep track of your water level.

It brews up to 12 cups of coffee and keeps it hot for up to 4 hours.

Perfect for shared spaces with varying mug sizes, this is a busy-body or work headquarters type of machine.

With the ability to grab a cup coffee quickly or make a pit-stop to fill up your travel-mug it acts as a real coffee station….

A brew-station if you will!

It’s brushed-steel exterior with black accents makes it attractive enough for any setting and is priced low enough to give the BrewStation a try, even if you aren’t sure.

Critiques from consumers include its low overall coffee heat as well as issues with the pressure activated dispenser dripping.

This is bound to happen and is largely as a result of human error. (One note is to fill your travel-mug or cup on an angle to protect your hand from any excess coffee-drip).

Plus, even if you do experience a little extra drip, that’s what the drip tray is for!

As for the heat, that is something you may just have to sacrifice when investing in a brew-station at such an affordable price.

But, if what you’re after, is to set up a station full of fresh tasting drip coffee that is easily accessible with for any sized mug for your workplace or shared space, you may have found it in the Hamilton Beach (48465) BrewStation.

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Hamilton Beach (Model 48463)

If you are someone that walks around town carrying a travel-mug, frequently walking into coffee shops and asking the barista to fill up your personal mug, then save some time and money by switching over to a brew-station! The Hamilton Beach BrewStation series has proven to be very convenient with its one-handed dispensing capabilities and tall frame. There are many machines in the series and they all have an easy-to-use design, sleek look and are perfect coffee machines for anyone that uses a travel-mug.

This model, the Hamilton Beach (48463) is a great start, at an even greater price-point. It can brew, store and heat up to 12-cups of drip coffee at a time. Enjoy great coffee consistently and conveniently without the use of a hot-plate or the possibility of spilling while pouring from a metal or glass carafe. It has a transparent water fill line to let you know how much water in is the machine as well.

Of the 3 Hamilton Beach BrewStation models reviewed here, this one is the least popular but ranks the highest. This is likely due to its lower price, will all the same features of the other 2 BrewStation machines. Critiques remain the same as well across all 3 machines; coffee not hot enough and drippy dispenser. These small critiques are to be expected, but the Hamilton Beach (48463) BrewStation is a great choice if you don’t mind a slightly less appealing aesthetic and enjoy paying a little bit less for essentially the same machine.

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