In addition, I had the opportunity to use artisanal coffee, which is freshly roasted locally. This particular blend consisted of ground coffee sourced from the Americas and roasted coffee beans from Ethiopia. If you've used a filter machine before, you'll find that the AromaFresh II Filter Coffee Machine follows the same basic principles. Simply fill the water tank with the desired amount of water for the number of cups you want, add the appropriate amount of coffee to suit your taste, and switch on the appliance. I found that regardless of the volume, the coffee machine consistently produced a deliciously aromatic coffee every time.

Making freshly-ground coffee with the AromaFresh II Filter Coffee Machine is straightforward, and the results are fantastic. The integrated ceramic grinder offers eleven different grinding fineness settings. This feature allows you to adjust the grinding fineness based on your preference, ranging from fine to coarse, resulting in a wonderfully aromatic cup of filter coffee.

Ideal for the smallest coffee quantity

REFINING – slightly thinner and with more perforations, this band allows an even and consistent brew time as the coffee develops its flavour.

I was thoroughly impressed with the flavour profiles that the AromaFresh II Filter Coffee Machine was able to extract from each blend and type of coffee. It really showcased the machine's ability to deliver a rich and flavourful cup of coffee.The manual also details how to descale the coffee machine when needed and gives step-by-step instructions. How does the AromaFresh II Filter Coffee Machine compare to other coffee filter machines? Founded in the early 1900s after the invention of the very first documented paper coffee filter, Melitta owes its name to the clever German housewife, Melitta Bentz, who made perforations in a metal cup and lined it with some of her son’s blotting paper to create the earliest known filter coffee. This simple innovation made it easier for thousands of people to make delicious coffee without the risk of bitter grounds getting into their cups and the company have gone from strength to strength in the century that’s passed since her coffee-making ingenuity was first put to the test. Not just for Melitta coffee machines, these high quality Aromapor Paper Coffee Filters have been specially designed to optimise the flavour extraction of your favourite coffee from grounds to cup. Melitta Bentz was the maker of the first ever documented coffee filter, and her company is proud to have followed in her footsteps, making the best possible coffee machines and filter papers that fit into virtually all makes of coffee machine as well as filter jugs and pour-over cup filters. The Melitta®AromaFresh II Filter Coffee Machine combines cutting-edge features, customizable brewing options, and a sleek design to provide a really delicious cup of coffee. We found the timer feature, brewing strength control, and the ability to keep the coffee warm for up to an hour perfectly suited our household’s needs. During my testing, I tried four different types of coffee. First, I experimented with a supermarket's brand of Colombian ground coffee. Then I moved on to Italian coffee beans, known for their full-bodied flavour and strength.

If you prefer to use coffee beans, you can fill the coffee bean container to the brim. The machine will automatically dispense the correct amount of coffee based on the number of cups you've selected and the desired strength. You can choose from 2 to 10 cups and three strengths: mild, medium and strong. When using ground coffee, simply add your preferred amount of ground coffee to the filter. The brewing time can vary depending on factors such as the number of cups and the coffee grind size, but generally, the brewing process for a standard-sized pot of coffee takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes. It's important to ensure that you set up your machine for either ground coffee or coffee beans. This can be easily done through the LED display. Additionally, you can fine-tune the grinding fineness of your freshly ground coffee using the convenient 'grinding fineness regulator' located at the top of the machine. How I got on with the AromaFresh II Filter Coffee MachineAfter each use, you’ll need to wash the jug, but the good news is that it's dishwasher-safe. Thanks to the integrated drip stop in the AromaFresh II Filter Coffee Machine's filter, you won't have to deal with annoying coffee drips on the hotplate. Developed specifically for coffee filters, Aromapor paper is micro-perforated to ensure only the finest coffee flavours make it into your jug or cup to release the fullest flavour. Yet it’s tear-resistant and strong enough to ensure it won’t disintegrate while you’re pouring hot water over your chosen coffee grounds, and the deep seams are firmly crimped so they’ll stay in shape – even on the way to the compost caddy after your coffee’s been enjoyed – but there’s no need for glue of any kind. BALANCING – this topmost band is thinner still and more highly perforated. This helps to encourage a balanced taste and aroma with no bitterness. The grinding of the beans can be a bit noisy, but it won't disturb the entire house. The aroma of freshly ground coffee and the brewing process is almost irresistible, truly living up to the 'AromaFresh' name. We discovered that grinding the beans finely resulted in the best cup of coffee - strong and flavourful. While it's true that the AromaFresh II comes with a higher price tag, it's important to consider the value it offers compared to other bean-to-cup filter machines. Additionally, the generous 3-year warranty and Melitta Service Competence guarantee provide peace of mind, ensuring that any potential issues can be repaired or the machine can be replaced.

Another option is the Smeg Lavazza A Modo Mio, which is gorgeously designed, as expected from the premium kitchen brand. It's available in a range of colorways, allowing you to find the perfect match for your kitchen decor. The price is similar to the AromaFresh, but this machine uses coffee pods. However, the AromaFresh does produce an excellent cup of coffee, especially when you increase the brewing strength and use freshly ground beans. The coffee quality, convenient timer feature, and 60-minute keep warm feature convinced us to keep the AromaFresh filter coffee machine.

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The filter is easily removed and can be composted or binned. Melitta recommends regular cleaning of the bean container, grinder, and ground coffee chute. It's best to clean these parts when they're empty. You can find detailed instructions on how to clean them in the manual. Over the years, we've had our fair share of filter coffee machines, ranging from affordable Russell Hobbs models to high-end Cuisinart grind and brew machines. The Melitta AromaFresh is the largest coffee machine we've ever owned, and it took some time to adjust to its size. As someone who enjoys a strong cup of Joe, I was very pleased with the intensity of the highest strength setting. On the other hand, my partner prefers a milder cup of coffee, and we tested that as well. While it's not to my personal taste, most people would be satisfied with the quality and strength it delivers. These filters are a standard size that fit most filter coffee machines no matter what brand, and they’re ideal for any 8-10 cup filter coffee jug.