Filter Coffee Machine Test 2026
There are coffee machines a dime a dozen – but only a few of them can make a really good cup of coffee. We’ve tested six filter coffee machines and are now sharing our findings with you.
Only got 1 minute? Our top picks at a glance
Three coffee machines impressed us with the quality of their coffee, as well as their build quality and ease of use.
Our favourite is the Moccamaster, which is handcrafted in the Netherlands. Its classic design, combined with the outstanding quality of the coffee it produces, has earned it the top spot in our test. Thanks to the particularly gentle and consistent brewing process, even the finest nuances come to the fore. We recommend it for anyone who has the highest standards for their filter coffee and wants to make as few compromises as possible.
The Wilfa Classic is also among the winners. It impresses with its highly precise brewing technology, a well-balanced flavour profile and its Scandinavian design. For all design enthusiasts who don’t want to compromise on coffee quality, the Wilfa Classic is exactly the right machine.
With its particularly good coffee flavour and a host of useful features, such as a timer and adjustable flow rate, the Gastroback Design Brew Advanced can hold its own against the best coffee machines.
Our Favourite Coffees
How We Conducted Our Tests
For our in-depth test, we assessed six filter coffee machines – ranging from popular bestsellers to innovative models. We placed particular emphasis on the brewing process, the taste of the coffee, as well as the design and practicality for everyday use.
To assess the flavour of the coffee, tastings were carried out with our roasting team. The water temperature and the brewing method used by each machine are crucial factors in determining the quality of the coffee. We examined, compared and evaluated all these factors.
Sensory Evaluation of Coffee
A refractometer (3rd photo) can be used to determine whether a coffee is over- or under-extracted. To do this, we brewed the coffee in all the machines being tested using the same parameters and compared the measured TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) values. The TDS for coffee from filter coffee machines is often lower than that from manual brewing methods, as with machines, for example, the brewing temperature fluctuates and the extraction is more uneven.
Our Top Picks
Moccamaster KBG Select
What has changed compared to the previous model, the KBGT 741?
Visually, the Moccamaster KBG Select remains largely faithful to its predecessor, the KBGT 741. The most significant innovation therefore lies not in the design, but in the brewing technology: the new „Select“ selector switch allows you to choose between half a pot and a full pot. When brewing a smaller quantity, the flow rate is reduced so that the water remains in contact with the ground coffee for longer. This is intended to ensure optimal extraction and brewing temperature even with half a pot – an area where the KBGT 741 still operated with the same brewing characteristics regardless of the fill level.
The new model features an integrated hotplate. In this new generation, the hotplate operates at a fixed temperature of around 80–85 °C whilst the Select switch is switched on, and switches off automatically after 40 minutes.
The real improvement of the KBG Select therefore lies primarily in its better adaptation to smaller quantities of coffee. Those who regularly brew just half a pot will find the brewing process better optimised compared to the KBGT 741. Those who, on the other hand, always brew a full pot are unlikely to notice many differences in everyday use – the basic construction, the 1.25-litre capacity and the distinctive design remain unchanged. The KBG Select is therefore more of a targeted refinement than a fundamentally new Moccamaster, but it also offers a much wider range of colours.
Moccamaster KBGT 741
Technical Details:
- Capacity: 1.25 l
- Brewing time for 1 l: 5:30 min
- Brewing temperature: 92–96 °C
- Keep-warm method: Thermos flask
- Brewing method: Instant-heat system
- Materials: Plastic, aluminium
- Filter holder: Accessible during the brewing process
- Timer: No
- Brewing method: 9-hole spray head, in stages
- Price: Higher price range
Is it accessible during the brewing process?
For better extraction, we recommend stirring the ground coffee in the filter holder with a spoon whilst it is brewing. If this is not possible, the coffee usually tastes less balanced. For this reason, we have included this factor in our test.
Design and Handling: The Moccamaster is already considered a classic amongst filter coffee machines and is available from us in two versions: with a glass jug or a thermos jug. In our test of the thermos version, the water was heated to a constant 94 °C and poured in small bursts via a 9-hole spray head. This enables a gentle and even extraction. All parts of the Moccamaster are of high quality and, with the exception of the water tank, can be removed. As the water tank is not removable, water is poured into it using a separate container. The built-in drip-stop mechanism ensures that no coffee drips onto the hotplate when the thermos flask is removed.
Flavour: The gentle brewing process is clearly evident in the flavour. In our test, the Moccamaster impressed us with both strong, intense roasts and light, fruity coffees. The subtle nuances of fruity coffees came to the fore particularly when brewing larger quantities. The coffee’s flavour is very well-balanced, and there is hardly any discernible difference compared to hand-brewed filter coffee. Only with small portions was the coffee in the test sometimes a little thin and unbalanced, but still perfectly drinkable.
Conclusion: The Moccamaster brews filter coffee that actually rivals the quality of hand-brewed coffee. Good design is important, but not as crucial as functionality. The Moccamaster gets both right. The machines are handcrafted and tested in the Netherlands. What’s more, all Moccamaster models come with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty. For a slightly higher price, this filter coffee machine gives the manual filter a run for its money. We think it fits perfectly into any kitchen and retains its appeal even after many years.
Wilfa Classic CMC-100
Technical Details:
- Capacity: 1 l
- Brewing time for 1 l: 6 mins
- Brewing temperature: 92–96 °C
- Heating plate / Temperature: Yes / 80 °C
- Brewing method: Through-flow heater
- Materials: Stainless steel, plastic
- Filter holder: Accessible during the brewing process
- Timer: No
- Brewing method: 9-hole spray head, in stages
- Price: Mid-range
Design and Handling: The Wilfa Classic’s elegant Scandinavian design and high-quality finish make it a real eye-catcher in any kitchen. The machine features an on/off switch and a control knob with a scale for continuously adjusting the flow rate. This is a real advantage for anyone who wishes to brew smaller quantities of coffee, such as 0.5 litres. An automatic drip-stop has not been incorporated into the Wilfa Classic; however, the flow can be completely shut off manually at the filter holder using the control dial. The filter holder can be removed for refilling, though the mechanism must be handled with care. All removable parts are dishwasher-safe. In the Wilfa Classic CMC-100, too, the ground coffee is moistened in stages via a 9-hole spray head using water at a measured temperature of 96 °C, ensuring a gentle and even extraction.
Flavour: The Wilfa Classic CMC-100 brews a very balanced and nuanced filter coffee. We were particularly impressed by the smallest brew volume, as the coffee flows through slowly thanks to the flow regulator, resulting in a very balanced flavour profile.
Conclusion: The Wilfa Classic CMC-100 combines excellent extraction with a stylish, minimalist design. Thanks to the adjustable flow rate on the filter holder (ranging from 0.25 l to 1 l), you can brew a delicious filter coffee even with small quantities of coffee. In our test, we found it practical to always leave the flow slightly more open than the scale recommends, as otherwise the flow rate is restricted too much and the coffee becomes over-extracted. The only downside is the design of the coffee pot’s lid. It is designed in such a way that a small amount of coffee always remains in the glass pot.
Unfortunately, the Wilfa Classic is no longer in production, but there is a successor model.
With the Wilfa Performance, Wilfa now has a more modern model in its range.
The most striking difference compared to the Classic CMC-100 is the removable water tank, which makes filling and cleaning much more convenient. It also features a manually adjustable flow control with a drip-stop function and special pump technology. Many machines retain up to 150 ml of residual water in the system: this quickly makes the next coffee stale or bitter. Wilfa’s pump technology ensures that the tank is completely emptied after every brew. This means you always brew with fresh, clean water straight from the tap – for a clear, full-bodied flavour in every cup.
The Performance is therefore the more technically advanced and higher-quality choice, whilst the Classic CMC-100 remains positioned as a compact, simple and attractively priced entry point into Wilfa’s world of filter coffee. Those who primarily want to make good filter coffee without any fuss will still find the Classic to be a solid classic; those who value greater convenience in their daily lives are better served by the Performance.
Gastroback Design Brew Advanced
Technical Details:
- Capacity: 1.25 l
- Brewing time for 1 l: 5:30 min
- Brewing temperature: 96 °C
- Heating plate / Temperature: Yes / 80 °C
- Brewing method: Instant brewing
- Materials: Stainless steel, plastic
- Filter holder: Accessible during the brewing process
- Timer: Yes
- Brewing method: 8-hole spray head, in stages
- Price: Mid-range
Design and Handling: The Gastroback Design Brew Advanced coffee machine is very much modelled on the gold standard, the Moccamaster, in terms of its construction and design. From the spray head to the glass jug, we can see many similarities. The individual components are robustly built and fit together well. The design is modern and minimalist; only the blue LED display strikes us as a little too bright. Much like the Wilfa Classic, the Gastroback also features a flow regulator and is very easy to use. The filter holder can be easily removed for filling and cleaning. The built-in timer function is particularly suitable for anyone who likes to be woken by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. All removable parts are dishwasher-safe.
Flavour: We found the coffee from the Gastroback tasted best when the flow control was fully open. We noticed a good body and a distinct sweetness, which suggest a good extraction.
Conclusion: The Gastroback Design Brew Advanced brews a really good cup of coffee and offers a host of useful features. The constant brewing temperature and the timer function are the standout features. During testing, the volume control on the filter holder proved to be too sensitive, as even a slight reduction on the scale significantly restricted the flow. As a result, the coffee is over-extracted and tastes slightly bitter.
Other Filter Coffee Machines
Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal
Technical Details:
- Capacity: 1.8 l
- Brewing time for 1 l: Approx. 6–7 mins
- Brewing temperature: Individually adjustable, approx. 92–96 °C
- Keep-warm method: Thermos flask
- Brewing method: Instant-heat system, automatic water supply
- Materials: Metal, plastic
- Filter holder: Accessible during the brewing process
- Timer: Yes, up to 24 hours
- Brewing method: Blooming and individually adjustable water flow; conical and flat-bottomed filters
- Price: Higher price range
The Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal is designed for anyone who wants to make filter coffee as conveniently as possible, whilst still retaining a high degree of control. It operates in accordance with the SCA’s Golden Cup standards and, in addition to classic brewing programmes, also offers a cold brew function. The customisable and savable brewing profiles are particularly handy: blooming, temperature and flow rate can be adjusted to suit your personal taste. It also features a removable 12-cup water tank, an integrated water filter and both cone and flat-bottomed filter inserts. The double-walled thermos jug keeps the coffee warm at over 65 °C for up to four hours.
All in all, the Luxe Brewer is less a traditional filter coffee machine and more a versatile coffee machine for those who like to experiment. If you enjoy trying out different beans and fine-tuning the brewing settings, this machine offers plenty of options – without you having to do it all yourself every time.
Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Machine
Technical Details:
- Capacity: 1.5 l
- Brewing time for 1 l: Approx. 6–7 mins
- Brewing temperature: Individually adjustable, precise temperature control
- Keep-warm method: Thermos flask
- Brewing method: Instant-heat system, precisely controlled water flow
- Materials: Stainless steel, BPA-free plastic, silicone
- Filter holder: Accessible during the brewing process; replaceable filter baskets
- Timer: Yes, via the machine or app
- Brewing technology: Blooming + Pulse Brewing, adjustable dual showerhead
- Price: Higher price range
The Fellow Aiden takes a similar approach, but places even greater emphasis on combining manual brewing with smart technology. Temperature, brew time, blooming and water distribution are precisely controlled, allowing different coffee varieties to be brewed consistently. Using the app, you can create and save your own brew profiles, as well as import recipes from roasters. At the same time, it remains straightforward to use: simply add water and coffee, select a profile, and the machine does the rest.
Its main strength therefore lies in the combination of convenience and control. Anyone who enjoys pour-over coffee but doesn’t want to brew it themselves every morning will find the Aiden an interesting alternative.
