Filters do much more than just eliminate impurities. They are also capable of enhancing the flavor and aroma of your brew. Coffee filters also trap natural oils that can give the coffee a bitter or sour taste, resulting in a cleaner, smoother drinking experience.
Although all filters may share a similar purpose, which is separating the ground coffee beans from the brewed coffee, they are created with different materials, which can affect their efficiency and effectiveness.
Some of the most common kinds of filters are: Paper coffee filters, Metal filters and Cloth filters.
While the cloth filter (the “sock”) has been around for a long time, the paper filter didn’t appear until the turn of the twentieth century. If you’re concerned that your coffee might end up with a papery taste, pre-wet the filter by pouring hot water over it. If necessary, rinse a second time.
Metal coffee filters, or permanent filters, are durable and reusable filters made of metal and designed to replace paper filters. The most common type is cone-shaped, designed to fit into drip and pour-over coffee makers. They have more long-term cost-effectiveness than disposable paper filters. Though they could be environmentally friendly, cleaning them is challenging and some sediment may be left in the brewed coffee.
It’s up to you which filters you choose, but make sure to choose the right size filter for your brewing method, and pay attention to thickness. Filters that are too thin will allow water to flow through too quickly, and thicker filters may keep more oils out of your brew.
Enjoy your coffee!
