Coffee enthusiasts know how essential it is to have a perfect, fresh cup of coffee in the morning to start the day right. To achieve that ideal coffee taste, every decision you make regarding how you make your coffee matters, from the brewing method or machine to even the coffee filter. Even though they’re a small part of the process, coffee filters can drastically change your coffee’s taste. Since this can be confusing, here are some hacks to help you choose the right coffee filter.
1. Consider Shape
People who are just starting out in the coffee brewing world don’t realize the many shapes of filters they can choose from. There are three shapes; conical, basket, and disk. The conical ones are the most popular for those who brew at home and have another variation for automatic brewing. The basket filter, also known as the flat-bottom filter, has top openings that can be larger than the surface area at the bottom. The disk coffee filter can be an alternative to French Press filters but is essentially used for AeroPress.
2. Size Matters
The size of the filter you choose should serve the number of cups you plan to brew peruse. Moreover, each filter coffee machine will have its ideal size, but when it comes to bucket filters, they’re usually sold in 8-12 sizes. Meanwhile, conical filters, there are different measures which come in #1, #2, #4, and #6. That’s why your choice of the coffee machine plays a major role. You can always go for permanent filters that are built into the machine itself for less hassle.
3. Pick the Right Material
Coffee taste can be affected by the smallest things like the type of coffee and the water you choose as well as the filter’s material. There are paper, metal, and cloth coffee filters. Paper filters are the most common for their absorbent quality, enabling them to trap most of the coffee oils and sediment. Metal coffee filters, though with the same function, give off a completely different taste since metal has larger pores, allowing all the delicious coffee oils to pour into your cup. Cloth filters are less popular but can also catch small coffee particles but with barely any oils.
4. Bleached or Unbleached?
There are still debates ongoing on whether to use bleached or unbleached coffee filters. Many believe bleached filters are unhealthy, while others think unbleached filters change the coffee’s taste. What’s the difference? Bleached filters undergo a process to make their color white using oxygen and chlorine. Unbleached filters don’t undergo a manufacturing process, so they are more natural and environment-friendly.
Now you have the hacks that will help you choose the right coffee filter that will enhance your coffee experience on a daily basis. If you’re an intense coffee lover, this needs thorough research and a period of experimentation till you reach your desired perfect coffee taste. It mainly all depends on the kind of coffee machine or brewer you have, and if you don’t have one yet, you’ll have more room to make a choice. Just remember to consider factors like quality and easy-to-clean filters.
