Did you know that the filter material that you use has an as big impact as the brewing device that you use? The three materials that you should try out are paper, fabric, and metal coffee filters. Not sure what to try, let me help you choose the best one based on your preferences and needs. Let’s look at some key aspects that are impacted by the filter material that you brew with.
Clean / Crisp / Clarity
Paper filters yield a clean, crisp cup by trapping oils and sediments in the filter, making them ideal for those who prefer delicate flavors. This can enhance the drinking experience for those looking for clarity in taste.
Texture and Body
Metal filters allow oils and sediments go through the filter, creating a fuller-bodied coffee with a gritty texture, which suits those who enjoy robust flavors and a more intense coffee experience.
Fabric filters allow more oils through but still trap the majority of sediments leading to a more oily mouthfeel with less of the gritty texture.
Eco-Friendly Choice
Fabric filters are reusable and environmentally friendly, providing a richer flavor but requiring maintenance, which may appeal to environmentally conscious coffee drinkers.
Metal filters are also very eco friendly because they can last forever if one takes proper care of them.
Cost Over Time
While paper filters are cheaper upfront, their recurrent costs can add up, making fabric or metal options more economical for daily coffee drinkers in the long run. Here are approximate prices for each filter type.
- 100 paper filters = ~$15
- 1 fabric filter = ~$10
- 1 metal filter = ~$25
Maintenance
Fabric filters require consistent care to ensure optimal brewing performance, which might deter those who prefer convenience. If you let coffee sit in a fabric filter for too long (like a few hours) it will discolor and become harder to clean.
Metal filters can also deteriorate if not taken proper care of where the holes get blocked by coffee grinds.
Longevity
Paper filters are one-time use.
Fabric filters can be reused for a year or so of daily use and proper maintenance.
Metal filters can last a lifetime, making them a one-time investment, but users must be willing to clean them post-brew for it to consistently brew a good cup of coffee.
Ultimately, choosing a coffee filter comes down to personal taste and lifestyle. My preferences these days are fabric filters because I love the oily body that it gets with minimal sediments. I highly encourage experimentation with different types to find the best fit for you.