Filters
Which coffee filter should I use?There are many things to consider when brewing your optimal cup at home. There are white paper filters, brown paper recycled filters, and varying degrees of permanent filters. It can be a tough decision. The first thing to look at is your coffee maker. Have a look at your coffee chamber. What shape is it? (usually either cone shaped or round with a flat bottom) What filters do you normally buy for it? Do they fit properly? Do you find you always have coffee grounds in the bottom of your pot, or flat tasting coffee? Do you feel you use more coffee than you should to get more flavour? Is the decaf you are buying pointless? You be the judge of what you need.
Permanent Filters
Pro’s
- Lasts for years
- Lets all the subtle flavours through
- Reduced waste
- More economical
- Easy to clean
- Highly recommended for premium coffee
- Use much less coffee for the same cup
Con’s
- Must be hand rinsed. Not dishwasher safe.
- Not readily available in stores.
- You’ll have to adjust how much coffee you use so that the cup you brew won’t be too strong.
Paper Filters
Pro’s
- Paper filters are great for ease and cleanliness
- Commonly available for every size machine
- It’s easy
- Comes in recycled brown filters
Con’s
- If they are an improper fit, or if they are flimsy, they can let a large amount of grounds into your coffee
- White filters are made with harmful chemicals
- They filter out a lot of the subtle flavours- recommended for using less than premium coffee
- More expensive in the long run and adds to the landfill problem if tossed into the garbage
French Press
Pro’s
- Built in filter lets you control how much and how strong you brew (a great way to control caffeine)
- Portable
- Easy
- Only grounds are waste
- It’s elegant
Con’s
- You still need boiling water
- Most presses don’t keep the coffee warm for long
- Hand wash makes the job a little messy
Cloth Filters
Pro’s
- All natural cotton filters last for years if cared for properly
- Nothing but grounds to deal with (we recommend a nice mulch for your roses or your composter).
- Cloth filters are portable, so you can take it to work.
Con’s
- All cotton natural filters are expensive
- Filters should be wet before you send coffee through or it absorbs a lot of the flavour and body of your coffee
- Can bit a bit messy (but worth it)