Cone vs flat-bottom filter. Which is better?

by John
(Denver, CO)

QUESTION:

What are the pros and cons of a cone vs a flat-bottom filter?

ANSWER:

That's an interesting question. I don't think either drip cone filter shape is necessarily better than the other.

The thing to keep in mind is that the drip brewing process depends on the hot water coming into contact with all the coffee grinds and then dripping through to the carafe or the mug.

If the water rushes through without staying in contact with the ground coffee for long enough, the coffee will taste weak. If the water stays in contact for too long, the coffee starts to taste bitter.

I think different cone shape designs are chosen in conjunction with the design of the hot water spraying head. In other words, the combination of spray head and cone shape is optimized to soak the coffee thoroughly and for long enough to create a good brew of coffee.

Comments for Cone vs flat-bottom filter. Which is better?

Click here to add your own comments

Nov 18, 2017

As a barista.
by: Hawkeye Johnson

As a barista I’m noticing a lot of people saying how they prefer cone or flat bottom. Now those are well and good but they are using newer machines as their arguing point. From my experience in coffee both cones do the same thing.
Bleached
Unbleached
Or bamboo
Filters are really good and all do just about the same thing depending on the coffee, the freshness, and the grind date. But a different machine will most definitely produce a different coffee than the previous.
Downsides to both
FLAT BOTTOM
sides CAN fall down which make for a uneven extraction
Depending on coffee brewer the spout can in some cases not saturate all the coffee evenly.

CONE FILTER
water can be prone to leaving the filter faster due to the shape but counter this with grind size and bloom can fix it.

Personally I’m leaning more to the cone filter due to that being a standard among many professional coffee company’s and coffee makers. BOTH WORK ALMOST THE SAME but it al depends on YOUR personal preference.

-Hawkeye

Aug 10, 2016

Cone filters better
by: Long-time coffee drinker

I have had makers with both shapes and I prefer cone filters, hands down. Not only does all the water pass through the coffee on a cone filter, but I have had basket filters' sides fall down into the grinds - not good. Never happens with a cone filter.

Dec 20, 2015

They definitely taste different
by: Anonymous

I had a Mr. Coffee cone drip maker for several years and was very unhappy with how bitter the coffee was. The problem was that the drip was sooooo slow and the heating element extraordinarily hot that it just leached all the bitterness of the bean into the pot.

The heating element finally gave out and I replaced it with a Mr. Coffee flat-bottom filter and voila! wonderful smooth and nutty taste. Same coffee beans, different coffee maker. So good!

Oct 21, 2012

Flat vs cone...
by: John G

My wife purchased a Mr Coffee flat bottom. Our older Bunn was starting to act up. I didn't especially care for the esthetics of it. Looked like a chevrolet (cheap). I was relieved when she accidentally broke the glass carafe. I seized the moment & purchased a cone bottom Cuisinart Extreme, 12 cup type. To my surprise, it was immediately apparent the Mr Coffee made a much more flavorful cup. I really love my coffee strong. Typically an Italian or French blend. The prior was my favorite. Trying to recapture that M C flavor. I kept adding more & more coffee grounds. Eventually making a huge m:ess in the coffee maker. I ended up with a grind between cone & flat. That seemed to cure the mess I was making. Recently my son in law introduced me to the Willow blend. I've experimented with combinations of bold & the Willow. I've ended up with 3 heaping Willow on the bottom & 2 heaping of bold. Sometimes French, K Dragon, but especially love the Italian. I've tried putting the Willow on top as well. Not as flavorful, try it I think you'll agree.

Aug 06, 2010

Cone Filters
by: Anonymous

More hot water comes in contact wiyh the coffee in cone filters so I prefer them. I have used both and like the cone filters much more.

Oct 26, 2009

I go for the cone...
by: Gman

Mom just got a Mr. Coffee (flat filter) and my girlfriend has a Black and Decker cone style maker. I swear the latter makes a better cup of coffee. (well. Stronger, at least; and that's how we like it). We only brew 3 or 4 cups, so maybe that makes a difference. Seems like the cone would "concentrate" the coffee drip better.

cheers,
greg

MantaWave@Etsy.com

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Coffee Questions Archive 2008.

What's new...

Kopi Luwak coffee from Kaya Kopi
A must-try coffee for coffee lovers, Kopi Luwak coffee is “processed” by wild Asian palm civets.

Read More
Coffee Gear Gift Ideas for the Holiday Season
This year there are numerous gourmet coffee gifts to choose from for the coffee lover in your life.

Read More
Alcoholic coffee drinks recipes.
Alcoholic coffee drinks recipes for after-dinner treats. If you have the liqueurs and the coffee, we have the recipes.

Read More
How to choose the right espresso machine for your home.
When it comes to buying an espresso machine for home use, you can choose between a manual and an automatic, or somewhere in between.

Read More