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Which Type of Coffee Filter Should I Use?

White filter with coffee grounds inside itA coffee filter is a barrier that removes used grounds from the hot water used to brew coffee. Coffee filters were first invented in the early 1900s by a housewife in Dresden, Germany. Melissa Bentz wanted to brew coffee that wasn't bitter tasting. She invented filtered coffee by pouring boiling water over a round piece of blotting paper folded to hold coffee grounds, letting the paper filter out the grounds as the liquid flowed into a metal cup she set below. This simple concept is still used today to brew coffee.

Filters remove coffee dregs from the finished product. The benefit of removing coffee grounds right after brewing coffee is that it prevents overbrewing. Overbrewing causes coffee to taste burnt and bitter. This masks the delicious coffee aroma and makes the coffee less enjoyable. Luckily, many varieties of coffee filters are available to assist in making premium coffee at home.

Coffee filters are available in many different sizes, depending on how much coffee you want to make. Cone filters come in sizes 1, 2, 4, and 6; larger filters for coffee makers are sized to make 4-6 cups or 8-12 cups. Although price is not a guarantee of quality, it's important to not choose bargain basement filters. This is because cheap filters are made from worse materials, which can leach toxic substances and add unwanted flavors to the coffee.

 Different sizes of cone filters

Paper Filters

Paper filters are meant for one-time use and are disposed of after brewing. Paper coffee filters are unique in that they remove oily components called diterpenes that are present in raw coffee beans. Diterpene is a natural compound and poses no known health risks, although in some studies it has been positively linked to increasing cholesterol.paper-filter-grounds

Although each paper filter costs pennies, a new one is used for each batch of coffee so that cost adds up. Since permanent filters can be used for years, using a daily paper filter is nearly always the more expensive option. Packs of 40 filters generally cost $2-3 dollars. Permanent filters cost anywhere between $8-30 dollars and can be used for considerably longer after the initial investment.

Pros:

  • Easier to Clean Up: Paper filters can be thrown away right after use, with no clean up beyond placing the used filter in a trash can.
  • Removes Cholesterol Raising Oils: Only paper filters eliminate oil with diterpene found in coffee.
  • Biodegradable: Since they've made of natural fibers, paper filters will decompose in composts (or landfills).
  • Sanitary: Paper filters are only used once, so they don't grow residue or bacteria from repeated use.

Cons:

  • Flimsiness: Cheaper varieties of paper filters can burst at their crimp, causing grounds to fly everywhere and ruining coffee. Look for quality brands to reduce the chance of the filter coming apart.
  • Environmental Damage: Unless you are composting your used coffee filters, they are most likely ending up in the trash can before being buried in a landfill. Paper filters are made from trees that must be cut down before being used. Filters made from bamboo somewhat counteract the deforesting effect.

Natural brownCone paper filter unbleached

In its natural form, all paper is brown colored. Brown filters are completely unprocessed. Other than aesthetics and processing, there are no other differences in color.

WhiteCone paper filter white

White paper filters are processed to get that clean, white shade. Chlorine bleaching or natural oxygen bleaching are common methods for whitening paper. Generally, better quality paper filters do not use chlorine bleach.

Bamboo

Bamboo fibers can also be used in coffee filters. Bamboo is a naturally renewing resource that grows much more quickly than the type of tree used for paper pulp.

Permanent Filters

Permanent filterPermanent coffee filters are filters meant to be washed and reused. They are generally made of gold, another metal, or nylon. Depending on the material their made with, permanent filters cost between $10-30. With proper care and maintenance, permanent filters can be used for years.

Pros:

  • Longevity: Permanent filters can be used for years with proper cleaning and maintenance.
  • Strong Roast: Permanent filters tend to let more coffee through, resulting in a full-bodied flavor. Paper filters can remove some of the complex flavors in the coffee.
  • Green: For those concerned with being eco-friendly, permanent filters are the greenest option since they do not contribute to deforestation or produce waste.

Cons:

  • Clean-Up: Permanent filters must be cleaned after every use in order to stay clean. Some permanent filters are dishwasher safe, but handwashing is the preferred cleaning method. This is because the filtering medium can get misshapen or torn in a dishwashing cycle.

Gold TonedSwissgold filter

Gold plated filters are made out of stainless steel with gold plating. Especially good-quality gold filters are available plated with real 23-carat gold. The metal mesh lets in very small particles of coffee grounds to the finished product. The oils in the coffee remain, adding additional flavor.


 

Nylon

Nylon coffee filters are made of the synthetic fabric. They are lower in price and quality than metal permanent coffee filters, and can give off an acidic taste over time.

Cloth FiltersCloth coffee filter made of hemp

Cloth filters are made of natural cotton, hemp, or muslim fabric. The pores on cotton filters are slightly larger than those on paper filters and smaller than the pores on permanent filters. A small amount of coffee sediment will be present in finished coffee. Cloth coffee filters are available in the shape of a cone or a bag. They can be cleaned with water and bristled scrub-brush if necessary.

Pros:

  • Bold Coffee: Cloth filters let in the tiniest coffee ground particles and other flavors into the final product. The result is a bold tasting cup-a-joe.
  • Green: Depending on where the fibers come from, cloth filters can be an environmentally friendly option. Look for filters made with organic, sustainably farmed, or naturally restoring fibers.

Cons:

  • Clean-Up: Cloth filters are rinsed with water to be cleaned. The cloth naturally begins to brown with use.
  • Lifespan: Filters wear out every 3-6 months, depending on how often they are used.


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