When you’re talking about brewing coffee, there are numerous options. We’re not talking about coffee beans, roast, or even the type of coffee machine - but the coffee filter.
If you choose a brewing method and device that require filtering, you have basically three options: cloth, paper and metal. The most common option for filtering is coffee paper filters. These paper filters trap the coffee grounds and allow the liquid coffee to flow through vividly removing other oily components. Coffee paper filters come in different shapes, sizes and colour but what makes a good filter paper? Let’s dive right in!
Shape & Size
It is imperative to choose the right shape but also the right size for your filter. This way the paper fits perfectly to your device and enables balanced coffee extraction. The V-shaped coffee paper filters are used mainly for Hario Coffee Drippers, or Chemex when folded. The conical shape of filter paper allows the water to flow more evenly through the ground coffee making a better brew. The conical coffee paper filters come in either v-shape or flat bottomed. Disc coffee paper filters are used in Aeropress.
The coffee filter paper sizes are as follows:
- 1 Cup- These are mainly used in one cup drippers such as Hario V60 01
- 2 Cup- Used for two cup drippers such as Hario V60 02
- 4 Cup- Used in most domestic filter coffee machines
- 6 Cup and higher- Mainly used for catering and office filter coffee machine
Material
There are many manufacturers, brands and versions of coffee paper filters. Also, the specialties per paper type vary a lot. Some papers have special pores to optimize the flow and some are thicker, such as the Chemex coffee paper filter, resulting in significantly bright, clear, and light bodied brew. Then there is a common misconception about which type of coffee paper filter to use: bleached or unbleached? The main difference between bleached and unbleached coffee paper filters is in the manufacturing process. Bleached coffee paper filters help remove the papery taste whereas the unbleached coffee filters can add a slight papery taste to brewed coffee. But it is always recommended to pour a little water to these unbleached coffee filters before adding your coffee as they remove the papery flavours and not impact the flavour of your beverage.
Cleaning
Coffee paper filters are single-use, meaning they don’t require cleaning and are easily disposable. This saves you a lot of time and effort. Just brew your coffee, toss the filter and you are good to go. Another astonishing thing about these coffee paper filters is that they are able to catch even the smallest coffee particles and fine sediments. As a result, you get a clean, smooth beverage with no surprises at the bottom of your cup.
Coffee paper filters are also the least expensive option compared to other filter types, but they have to be replaced with each new pot of coffee. Some people do preserve these coffee filters by washing them and making them more environment-friendly. The type of coffee filters you choose can have a significant impact on your coffee, but if you’re looking for a smooth, clear cup of coffee with minimal fuss, you may want to stick with coffee paper filters.
We hope this blog has helped you build more knowledge about why choosing coffee paper filters is not a bad idea at all. Now it’s time to get out there and get brewing!
