Brewing Guide

2: The Filter

The next step is to ensure you are using the best filter for your brewer and for the coffee.

Types

Paper

Paper filters are the most commonly used, particularly because they provide the clearest, cleanest coffee. When using a paper filter, always choose oxygen bleached, white filters. Unbleached (brown) filters can impart an unwanted taste to the finished cup.

Metal

Other types available are metal and cloth filters. While metal filters have the benefit of being re-usable, they can impart a metallic taste. Another downside is that they aren't as clean a filter as paper, allowing more solids through and resulting in a very different cup.

Size

Whichever you choose, ensure that it is the right size for the brew basket of your particular brewer. It's also important to use a filter that suits the size of your grind. When using a very finely ground coffee, you'll need a filter with smaller holes. Conversely, with a coarse grind, use a filter with larger holes.

Next

Alright, we've picked the perfect type of filter, up next: Water