There are many different coffee filter options available. You may not even have known that the type of coffee filter that you choose can affect the overall flavor and effectiveness of the filtration. Coffee filters vary based on materials, size, and shape. From reading this guide, we hope that we can help you make an educated decision when choosing the best coffee filter option for you.
Table Of Contents
- 1 Top 9 Best Coffee Filters
- 1.1 1. Hario Paper Coffee Filter
- 1.2 2. Melitta Basket Coffee Filters
- 1.3 3. Melitta Coffee Cone Filters
- 1.4 4. Goldtone Reusable Basket Coffee Filter
- 1.5 5. Basket Coffee Filters
- 1.6 6. Mr. Coffee Basket Coffee Filters
- 1.7 7. YEOSEN Reusable 4 Cone Filter
- 1.8 8. Cloth Reusable Coffee Filter
- 1.9 9. Barista Warrior Pour Over Coffee Filter
- 2 How to Choose the Best Coffee Filter
- 3 Conclusion
Top 9 Best Coffee Filters
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Hario Paper Coffee Filter |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Melitta Basket Coffee Filters |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Melitta Coffee Cone Filters |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Goldtone Reusable Basket Coffee Filter |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Basket Coffee Filters |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Mr. Coffee Basket Coffee Filters |
| Check On Amazon |
 | YEOSEN Reusable 4 Cone Filter |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Cloth Reusable Coffee Filter |
| Check On Amazon |
 | Barista Warrior Pour Over Coffee Filter |
| Check On Amazon |
1. Hario Paper Coffee Filter
Hario is a reputable, trusted brand in the coffee industry originating in Japan. Used in coffee halls worldwide, Hario makes exquisite coffee makers and is most well known for specializing in heat-resistant glassware. Their V60 coffee drippers are also quite popular and the V60 paper coffee filters are ideally the best for these makers. Their natural paper coffee filters are of higher quality than generic paper filters. The Hario V60 has a tabbed outer edge that allows for easier grip when removing from the coffee machine. Being cone-shaped they are compatible with coffee makers that require cone-shaped filters.
They usually come in packs of 100 so they should last a while. While these are unbleached they also have a bleached option available. They also come in different sizes: size 1, size 2, and size 3. These sizes are based on the size of the coffee brewer. Each filter has a hole that will speed up the filtering process.
Specifications
- Paper (Unbleached and Bleached available)
- Used for Pour over coffee
- Package of 100
- Cone-shaped
- Available in sizes 1, 2, and 3
2. Melitta Basket Coffee Filters
If you own a large coffee machine holding eight to twelve cups but prefer a bleached basket filter then Melitta Bleached Basket Coffee Filters are right for you. Melitta has a great reputation for the chlorine-free bleaching process that does not negatively affect the taste of the coffee. They are of higher quality than traditional store brand filters. The paper is thicker allowing for better filtration and easier removal. This package of bleached coffee filters comes in a package of 600. If you were to only make one pot of coffee a day this pack would last you about two years!
Specifications
- Paper, Bleached
- Package of 600
- Used in large coffee machines
- Holds 8-12 cups
- Basket shaped
- Base diameter 3 ½”, side height 2 1/2 “
3. Melitta Coffee Cone Filters
Melitta Natural Cone Coffee Filters are unbleached, 100% chlorine-free natural paper filters designed for size 4 pour-over coffee makers that can brew eight to twelve cups. These coffee filters are made with microfine, flavor-enhancing perforations. This allows the flavor of the coffee to completely filter through. A standard package holds 100 filters although Amazon tends to sell them in packs so you can get more than 100 if needed. For those who prefer a bleached version, Melitta has this as well.
Specifications
- Paper, Unbleached
- Package of 100
- Used in large coffee machines
- Holds 8-12 cups
- Cone-shaped
4. Goldtone Reusable Basket Coffee Filter
Using surgical-grade metal mesh and BPA-free plastic, the Goldtone Reusable Basket Coffee Filter is durable enough to last years. It is ideal for large coffee makers that brew eight to twelve cups. They are easy to clean and dishwasher safe. Like other reusable filters, they are of higher quality than paper filters. Reusable filters do not absorb some of the oils in coffee like paper filters do letting all of the flavors into the coffee. Goldtone also has other sizes available such as a #4 cone filter and a basket-shaped model for 4-8 cup coffee makers.
Specifications
- Reusable, stainless steel, BPA-free plastic
- Package of 1
- Used for large coffee makers
- For 8-12 cups
- Basket shaped
5. Basket Coffee Filters
These large unbleached paper coffee filters made by Rupert and Jeoffrey’s Trading Co. are ideal for large coffee makers and can handle eight to twelve cups. Since they are thicker than other store brands the sides won’t collapse after the brewing process despite the coffee grounds being heavier from mixing with water. The package comes with 500 unbleached natural paper coffee filters which will last quite a while. They leave no residue in the coffee pot and are easy to separate. Some users recommend rinsing the paper underwater before use as some say this gets rid of the papery taste that can be left by unbleached filters.
Specifications
- Paper, Unbleached
- Package of 500
- Used in large coffee machines
- Holds 8-12 cups
- Basket shaped
- Side Height 2-3/8″, Base Diameter 3-1/4″
6. Mr. Coffee Basket Coffee Filters
If you are in an office setting, Mr. Coffee Basket Coffee Filters are ideal. They are cheap yet decent quality and are readily available at many stores. Unlike most generic store brand coffee filters they are not cheap and flimsy. They are also pretty compatible with the majority of drip coffee makers that can brew eight to twelve cups. Mr. Coffee Basket Coffee Filters come in packs of 50 and 100 and are bleached with oxygen.
Specifications
- Paper, Bleached
- Package of 50 or 100 available
- Used for large drip coffee machines
- For eight to twelve cups
- Basket-shaped
- Base diameter of 4″, height of 2 1/2″
7. YEOSEN Reusable 4 Cone Filter
The YEOSEN Reusable #4 Cone Filter is made of food-grade stainless steel fine mesh. Since it is fine mesh it can handle finer ground coffee. This leads to a cleaner cup at the end of the brewing. It is also available in a basket-shaped model for large coffee makers that brew 8-12 cups. If you are looking for a high-quality filter that is eco-friendly and reusable then this is ideal for you.
Specifications
- Stainless steel
- Available in size #4
- Used for pour-over coffee (Basket model is available also for drip coffee makers)
- Cone-shaped
8. Cloth Reusable Coffee Filter
The Pinyon Organic Hemp Reusable Cloth Filter is available in a range of styles and sizes. They are made of 45% organic cotton and 55% organic hemp in Canada. They are high quality and must be stored in a glass of water either in the sink or fridge. This is to prevent the formation of mildew which can occur on any cloth filters. It can be cleaned in boiling water and must be cleaned daily. This is a big drawback of cloth filters but it can create an aromatic cup with sweet and fruity undertones while reducing sediments. Since these filters are organic they are unbleached and natural so you will not have to worry about any chemicals.
Specifications
- Cloth, Hemp and Cotton, Unbleached
- Used for Pour Over Coffee Makers (cone-shaped) and Drip Coffee Makers (basket sized)
- For machines with 8-12 cups
- Available in cone sizes #2 and #4, and basket sizes #2 and #4
- Cone or basket-shaped
9. Barista Warrior Pour Over Coffee Filter
If you own a Hario V60 or Chemex and are looking for a reusable metal cone filter instead of paper, then the Barista Warrior Pour Over Filter is right for you. This metal filter is compatible with Hario 02 and Hario 03 sized models. It can also fit many other pour-over coffee makers, but it is not meant for coffee machines.
Available both in gold and silver, they are made with stainless steel. Unlike the silver model, the gold has a coating of titanium for color. It has a dual filtration system that helps reduce the number of coffee grounds that pass through the filter, creating a ground-free cup of coffee. This dual filtration process also leads to a more flavorful cup than those brewed with traditional paper filters. Each filter has a no-slip silicon ring to keep the filter in place.
These metal reusable filters are easy to clean. They are dishwasher safe and it is recommended that every two to three weeks to descale the filter. This is done by soaking the filter in a solution of distilled vinegar and warm water.
Specifications
- Stainless steel (gold has titanium coating)
- Used for pour-over coffee
- Cone-shaped
- Package of 1
- Available in silver or gold
- Fits Hario size 02 and 03, Chemex, and some other types of pour-over coffee makers
How to Choose the Best Coffee Filter
Shape, Size, and Materials
Some coffee filters have different shapes and sizes depending on what type of maker it is being used for. A drip coffee machine (the most conventional types) usually requires a basket-shaped filter while pour-over coffee makers require a cone-shaped filter.
The taste of the coffee can be affected by whether you choose a paper, food-grade metal, or cloth filter. Paper tends to absorb the oils of the coffee while metal filters do not. For this reason, coffee made with paper filters tends to be lighter and cleaner. Coffee that is brewed with a metal filter is rich, sweet, and aromatic. Cloth filters leave an aromatic brew as well but with a medium-bodied flavor. There is also the added benefit of always having a filter with a metal filter because they are reusable and last a lifetime.
Bleached vs. Unbleached Paper Coffee Filters
There are two different types of paper coffee filters. There are bleached and unbleached. Bleached are white whereas unbleached are brown as they are natural. There are two different ways in which bleached coffee filters are bleached. This can be done whether through a chlorine or oxygen-based bleaching process. Many people are concerned about the health effects of chlorine-bleached coffee filters despite the fact they have been labeled as safe for use. Experts say that the amount of chlorine is minuscule and will not drain into your coffee. It is probably more of a health risk if you accidentally inhale pool water as they use the same type of bleach just in very small amounts.
If you are skeptical of this claim, however, opt for an oxygen-bleached filter or an unbleached one. Oxygen-bleached filters have also been praised as higher quality than chlorine-bleached filters. Based on the process that they use for bleaching, oxygen-bleached filters are also better for the environment than chlorine-bleached paper filters as well.
Unbleached paper coffee filters are filters that use natural processes and do not involve bleaching. All unbleached filters will appear brown and never white. Some people feel safer using these other bleached filters. They are also more environmentally friendly as it skips the bleaching process and is biodegradable. Many bleached filters are biodegradable as well. One drawback of the unbleached filters is that many coffee brewers report that it affects the flavor of the coffee, leaving a paper-like taste. One way to avoid this is by rinsing the filter with hot water before use. This will remove the natural oils in the filter that create that papery taste, creating a cleaner cup of coffee.
Whether you choose bleached or unbleached there are some drawbacks associated with paper filters. They are disposable and despite being biodegradable could take a long time for them to break down. Despite being cheap the costs of buying paper filters will also add up over time. The environmentally conscious and long-term cost-saving option is metal filters.
Reusable Metal Coffee Filters
Reusable metal coffee filters are usually made of food-grade stainless steel. Some may have a coating of titanium to give a golden sheen. These metals are safe for brewing use and do not contain any harmful chemicals. While they initially may be a little pricey, reusable metal coffee filters very quickly outweigh the cost. If you are a daily coffee consumer, think of all the disposable coffee filters you have had to buy and how that adds up over time. Metal coffee filters are a one-time investment that can last a lifetime if you properly clean them.
Most metal filters are dishwasher safe, but can also be cleaned under tap water. This may seem more tedious than simply throwing away a paper filter, but it all depends on what matters to you most: convenience or cost-savings.
Metal filters, like paper filters, also affect the taste of the coffee. Unlike paper filters, metal filters will not absorb oils from the coffee beans during the brewing process. Sweet and fruity undertones in certain types of coffees do not make it in your coffee pot when using paper filters. Using a metal filter will result in a richer, more aromatic brew.
Reusable Cloth Coffee Filters
Some coffee lovers also use cloth filters. These have the benefit of allowing less micro sediments to filter into the coffee than metal filters and also not absorbing the oils needed for a flavorful cup like paper filters do. This results in a more aromatic, flavorful medium coffee. Coffee filters do come at a big drawback though as they are harder to maintain. They have to be thoroughly rinsed after each use and must be stored in water in the fridge. Storing them this way prevents mildew from growing on the filters. Unlike metal filters, they do have an expiry. After about 100 brews, cloth filters become obsolete.
Coffee Filter Shape and Size
After deciding what type of coffee filter you desire, you need to consider what style and size of coffee filter you need. Pour-over coffee makers require a cone-shaped filter whereas automatic drip coffee machines need a basket-shaped filter. You will also need to consider the size of the machine/ how many cups you will need to make. Pour-over coffee makers tend to use smaller filters with about 1-4 cups while large coffee machines tend to make about 8-12 cups.
Conclusion
Before reading this article, you may not have realized that there is a huge variety of different types of coffee filters. Coffee filters vary based on what materials they are made out of- bleached or unbleached paper, food-grade metal, or cloth- their size and shape (basket or cone). What type of filter you should get depends on what you are looking to get out of a filter and what size and shape you need. What matters most to you: taste, cost-savings, environmental friendliness? This will affect what type of filter will be best for you.
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