The filter coffee machine - German ingenuity for high-quality coffee enjoyment
In 1954, the German Gottlob Wiedmann patented the world's first coffee machine – the Wigomat. Until it was superseded by the typical, now ubiquitous filter coffee machine, it prevailed against its competitors and was considered one of the best products on the market until the 1970s.
Today's collector's item, often found in museums, functioned similarly to a modern drip coffee maker. However, the Wigomat operated completely silently. Water was heated to 94-95°C by two separate heating elements and then continuously poured over the ground coffee using a steam pump. Modern coffee makers eliminate the need for a second heating element and the reduced height, instead using a non-return valve. The periodically pumped water and the evaporating residual water are what cause the characteristic gurgling sound of a drip coffee maker.
Which coffee machine is right for me?
Filter coffee machines come in countless designs and styles. Depending on the desired price range, every filter coffee lover can find the right model that will last a long time.
When buying a washing machine, it's important to note whether it uses a permanent filter or the more common disposable filters. Both options have advantages and disadvantages that everyone should weigh up for themselves.
Furthermore, it's important to consider how long the heating plates are heated. Different EU regulations apply depending on the type of carafe. Glass carafes, for example, may be heated for 40 minutes before automatically switching off. This option is particularly suitable for heavy coffee drinkers or offices . Alternatively, there are also thermos carafes available.
The next criterion in choosing the right coffee machine is the type of coffee you buy. There are machines that only work with pre-ground coffee, but also those with an integrated grinder. These are advantageous for anyone who values freshly ground coffee .
And one last tip: What could be better than waking up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee? Many machines have a built-in timer function that automatically starts the brewing process at a desired time. Bliss!
The Moccamaster is currently very popular among coffee lovers. It works similarly to the Wigomat and is more visually appealing than a simple filter coffee machine! Furthermore, it's very efficient and brews 6 cups of coffee in just 10 minutes.
Do I need a specific type of coffee ?
With a filter coffee machine, all you need is your favorite coffee. That's all there is to it. Be sure to check out our online shop and explore our selection. Warning – highly addictive!
How do I clean the filter coffee machine?
Fortunately, the machines are extremely easy to clean! Simply rinse the jug briefly and dispose of the filter in the compost/garbage.
The machine needs descaling every now and then. Simply fill the machine with a 1:1 mixture of water and vinegar and run it through the filter. Rinse again with clean water, and you can enjoy your freshly brewed coffee once more. Alternatively, you can buy descaling tablets at any drugstore. Whichever is more convenient!
Is a filter coffee machine worth it for my home?
Phew. That's always a matter of opinion. To help you decide for or against a filter coffee machine, we have 5 simple questions for you:
- Do I enjoy drinking a lot of coffee in a row? And do I enjoy drinking a lot of coffee at the same time with friends and family?
- Is it important to me that my coffee can be brewed and disposed of in an environmentally friendly way at home?
- Is quick, easy and uncomplicated preparation of my coffee important to me?
- The crema on my coffee is not important to me.
- Unlike a capsule or pod system, I want a more affordable coffee experience.
If you answered YES to all the questions – perfect! You absolutely need a filter coffee machine. If not, think about what kind of coffee you'd like to drink at home and what you'd enjoy most. We've presented all the common brewing methods in our blog, and you can use that to help you decide!
How do I prepare the perfect filter coffee at home?
Coffee quality is absolutely crucial. Of course, you can use any coffee you like, but good quality coffee will naturally make the taste much better! Which flavor notes you prefer is entirely up to you. We prefer fruity notes, which are especially enjoyable with a lighter roast. You can find these in our filter coffee section!
The preparation process using a filter coffee machine is actually extremely simple:
- Apply the filter.
- Fill the desired amount of water into the filling container.
- Now read how many tablespoons of coffee are used for your amount of water and fill the filter accordingly.
- Press the start button and wait a moment.
- Done! Enjoy your filter coffee!
So, as you can see, coffee from a filter coffee machine is really the simplest way to drink your coffee. If you have a little more time and leisure, you can try different types of filter coffee. These include the pour-over method, the Chemex , and the Aeropress . They all work on the same principle, just without electricity.
Let us know now if you have already found your perfect filter coffee machine or which brewing method you prefer!
Your SIMON&BEARNS Team
The filter coffee machine - 5 questions to see if it's right for you!
The filter coffee machine - German ingenuity for high-quality coffee enjoyment
In 1954, the German Gottlob Wiedmann patented the world's first coffee machine – the Wigomat. Until it was superseded by the typical, now ubiquitous filter coffee machine, it prevailed against its competitors and was considered one of the best products on the market until the 1970s.
Today's collector's item, often found in museums, functioned similarly to a modern drip coffee maker. However, the Wigomat operated completely silently. Water was heated to 94-95°C by two separate heating elements and then continuously poured over the ground coffee using a steam pump. Modern coffee makers eliminate the need for a second heating element and the reduced height, instead using a non-return valve. The periodically pumped water and the evaporating residual water are what cause the characteristic gurgling sound of a drip coffee maker.
Which coffee machine is right for me?
Filter coffee machines come in countless designs and styles. Depending on the desired price range, every filter coffee lover can find the right model that will last a long time.
When buying a washing machine, it's important to note whether it uses a permanent filter or the more common disposable filters. Both options have advantages and disadvantages that everyone should weigh up for themselves.
Furthermore, it's important to consider how long the heating plates are heated. Different EU regulations apply depending on the type of carafe. Glass carafes, for example, may be heated for 40 minutes before automatically switching off. This option is particularly suitable for heavy coffee drinkers or offices . Alternatively, there are also thermos carafes available.
The next criterion in choosing the right coffee machine is the type of coffee you buy. There are machines that only work with pre-ground coffee, but also those with an integrated grinder. These are advantageous for anyone who values freshly ground coffee .
And one last tip: What could be better than waking up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee? Many machines have a built-in timer function that automatically starts the brewing process at a desired time. Bliss!
The Moccamaster is currently very popular among coffee lovers. It works similarly to the Wigomat and is more visually appealing than a simple filter coffee machine! Furthermore, it's very efficient and brews 6 cups of coffee in just 10 minutes.
Do I need a specific type of coffee ?
With a filter coffee machine, all you need is your favorite coffee. That's all there is to it. Be sure to check out our online shop and explore our selection. Warning – highly addictive!
How do I clean the filter coffee machine?
Fortunately, the machines are extremely easy to clean! Simply rinse the jug briefly and dispose of the filter in the compost/garbage.
The machine needs descaling every now and then. Simply fill the machine with a 1:1 mixture of water and vinegar and run it through the filter. Rinse again with clean water, and you can enjoy your freshly brewed coffee once more. Alternatively, you can buy descaling tablets at any drugstore. Whichever is more convenient!
Is a filter coffee machine worth it for my home?
Phew. That's always a matter of opinion. To help you decide for or against a filter coffee machine, we have 5 simple questions for you:
If you answered YES to all the questions – perfect! You absolutely need a filter coffee machine. If not, think about what kind of coffee you'd like to drink at home and what you'd enjoy most. We've presented all the common brewing methods in our blog, and you can use that to help you decide!
How do I prepare the perfect filter coffee at home?
Coffee quality is absolutely crucial. Of course, you can use any coffee you like, but good quality coffee will naturally make the taste much better! Which flavor notes you prefer is entirely up to you. We prefer fruity notes, which are especially enjoyable with a lighter roast. You can find these in our filter coffee section!
The preparation process using a filter coffee machine is actually extremely simple:
So, as you can see, coffee from a filter coffee machine is really the simplest way to drink your coffee. If you have a little more time and leisure, you can try different types of filter coffee. These include the pour-over method, the Chemex , and the Aeropress . They all work on the same principle, just without electricity.
Let us know now if you have already found your perfect filter coffee machine or which brewing method you prefer!
Your SIMON&BEARNS Team