Coffee filters

Filter coffee is coffee prepared using a filter.
The difference from other preparation methods is that water passes not only through ground coffee beans but also through a filter.

Types of coffee filters

Filters are disposable, reusable and permanent.
Paper coffee filters allow you to reveal the full richness of taste and aroma, since extraction is consistently fast. The cost depends on the material from which it is made: brown, made of wood, can give the drink a cardboard taste if the filter is not pre-treated with boiling water; bleached with chlorine, oxygen or ozone, good quality filters are neutral in taste and smell, so the drink will not have an extraneous taste or aroma; bamboo, the most expensive, but the most environmentally friendly, guarantee the perfect taste and aroma of coffee.
The paper filter retains coffee oils and caffeine, so the finished drink is quite watery, has a clean taste without bitterness. The combination with milk and cream is undesirable.
Paper filters are classified by size: 01 (for 1-2 cups), 02 (for 2-4 cups), 03 and 04 (for larger quantities). The most popular brands, such as Hario V60, Chemex, Kalita Wave, have their own size standards, so it is important to choose filters that are compatible with your equipment.
White filters are bleached with oxygen or ozone, which makes them neutral in taste. Unbleached (brown) filters are more environmentally friendly, but require a mandatory rinse with boiling water before use.
Connoisseurs of a richer drink should pay attention to cotton filters. They slow down the extraction process due to smaller holes in the material.
The shape of paper filters affects extraction and oxygen saturation.
For brewing coffee in a cup, choose corrugated ones.
For brewing in a mug or drip coffee maker, cone-shaped ones are suitable.
Special filters with a flat bottom are more versatile, they can be used both in a coffee machine and for brewing directly in a container.
A reusable metal filter will last much longer.
It allows coffee oils and caffeine to pass through better, making the finished coffee much more concentrated and aromatic.
Permanent filters are made of different materials: plastic, metal, nylon. They can be removable or not. The big disadvantage of non-removable ones is that, in case of damage, you will have to throw away the entire device. In addition, it is worth considering that nylon and plastic are less environmentally friendly than paper.

Choosing filters depending on the type of coffee maker

The correct choice of a coffee maker filter is one of the key factors for making delicious coffee. Each model has its own size, so it is important to pay attention to this parameter before buying.
For drip coffee makers, paper cone-shaped filters of standard sizes are usually used.
The best ones for pouroverare fine paper coffee filters or special reusable metal filters, depending on whether you prefer a clean, light taste or a richer one. A pourover allows you to try different water temperatures, brewing speeds, control the process, and influence the result.
Metal filters are purchased for espresso coffee makers, as they allow you to get a rich taste and a thick crema.

Techniques for Proper Filter Use

Before use, the paper filter should be rinsed with warm water to remove any possible paper odor and ensure a better fit to the walls of the coffee maker.
A medium grind is best for filtration, as a fine grind can lead to excessive saturation and bitterness of the drink, and a large one will make the coffee too watery.

The best filter brands

When choosing a filter, pay attention to its material, size and brand.

Brands known for their high quality products include: HARIO, Kalita, Melitta, Chemex.
HARIO specializes in cone-shaped filters for V60 pourovers that provide fast extraction.
Kalita Wave offers filters with a wavy bottom for even extraction.
Chemex produces dense filters that give an exceptionally clean taste.
Melitta is a pioneer in the production of filters for drip coffee makers.

Quality paper coffee filters should not contain chemical impurities and should be strong enough not to break during brewing.
Thin paper filters are considered best for pour-over coffee, and metal filters are best for espresso. Be sure to buy a filter for your coffee maker that matches its size.

Storage and shelf life

Paper coffee filters should be stored in a dry, dark place. When stored properly, the shelf life of disposable filters is unlimited. It is advisable to use them once, but for greater economy, users brew coffee in such filters up to 4 times.
Metal filters are reusable and require thorough cleaning after each brewing to prevent the accumulation of coffee residue and microorganisms.

Advantages of filter coffee

Filters provide better filtration than other methods.
This coffee has a mild, clean taste without bitterness, as the filter retains oils and particles of coffee beans.
It contains less caffeine and oils, which makes it easier on the stomach and less dangerous for the cardiovascular system.

Where to buy quality filters

You can buy filters for coffee makers on manufacturers’ websites, in specialized online stores and marketplaces.
They can also be purchased in supermarkets, home appliance stores or specialized stores that sell coffee.
Prices for filters vary depending on the brand and type. Paper filters for coffee can cost from 50 to 200 hryvnias per pack, and reusable ones – from 300 to 1500 hryvnias.
Our store offers a wide range of coffee filters: paper filters of various sizes and shapes, compatible with popular brewing methods. We offer products from proven brands with a quality guarantee and fast delivery.
When buying, pay attention to their size, material and compatibility with your equipment.