Which is the best type of coffee filter to use? Is it the disposable paper filter or the permanent metal filter? I want to use the one that gets those rich 'bubbles' on the top of my coffee mug! (don't I?)
ANSWER:
Whether you use a paper filter or a metal filter won't make much difference to your coffee, or your bubbles.
That said, there are some aesthetic and environmental advantages to using a metal filter. And maybe some health issues as well.
Using paper filters is messy. And you have to keep buying them and throwing them away. And you may wonder exactly what chemical residues are lurking in that paper as a by-product of the paper-making process.
But if you use a gold-tone metal filter basket (not as expensive as it sounds), then you never have to buy or replace all those paper filters.
And the gold plate ensures there is zero chemical interaction between the filter and the hot water and coffee grinds. (Gold is inert.)
After each brew, simply tip out the used coffee grinds into your garbage or composting bin, and then rinse the filter under the tap.
As you can probably tell, our choice is always to go for a metal, "gold tone" filter.
Comments for
Paper vs. metal coffee filters. Which is best?
Paper filters are biodegradable--I put them in my composter everyday! My roses love the grounds. Think of all the water you have to use to rinse out all those holes.
Jan 29, 2009
Paper vs metal coffee filters by: Anonymous
My husband prefers the metal because he says the coffee is smoother tasting. Not the bitter taste he has been getting with the paper filters. (don't ask me why, he has been drinking coffee for 30+ years and I only drink tea) We haven't found that the metal is slower in any way but have found that if the filter isn't large enough it will go over the top of the filter and go into the pot. SO, I recommend the metal but the larger ones are hard to find and we like to be environmentally friendly.
Jan 16, 2009
Metal Filter from Hell by: Anonymous
Metal filters are slower, too, so it becomes difficult to make a full pot of coffee with one.
Dec 06, 2008
Cholesterol Difference by: Anonymous
Paper absorbs the oils in coffee that can elevate your LDL cholesterol. They pass through metal filters, though, so I'd personally recommend using recycled paper filters. Green as the "permanent" filters, and better for your health, particularly if you drink coffee daily.
Nov 18, 2008
gold coffee filters by: Shannon
What about the interaction with the boiling water and the plastics on the gold coffee filters? Wouldn't organic fiber coffee filters be the best, health wise?
(not as expensive as it sounds), then you never have to buy or replace all those paper filters.