Tea and coffee have long been part of the life of almost every person and are favorite drinks for many. There are entire brewing rituals aimed at making the drink even tastier and more aromatic. In this matter, such an achievement of modern industry as special filter bags can come to the rescue. They are suitable not only for tea and coffee, but also for preparing herbal infusions.
Types of filters
Despite all the utilitarianism of this seemingly simple device, there are quite a large number of their varieties.
Paper
The most popular among consumers are disposable paper filters, which are inexpensive and easy to use. They have a porous structure, due to which the filtration process occurs. They do not affect the taste and aroma of the prepared drink, preventing the passage of coffee dust and solid particles into it.
They come in two types: unbleached and bleached paper. The former are produced in an environmentally friendly manner, but may have the unpleasant property of giving the drink a cardboard taste. The latter are made using oxygen or chlorine, and an admixture of chlorine cannot be considered a desirable additive.
Paper filters also vary in density; it can be high, medium or low. Most often they are made in the shape of a rectangle, trapezoid or cone, but there are others.
These paper products, regardless of the manufacturer and country of manufacture, are subject to a single size standard: 06/04/03/02/01. In order not to make a mistake with the size, you need to study the instructions for the drip coffee maker, Chemex, AeroPress or other available unit. The size of the package must match the number on its funnel.
Fabric
Available in reusable bags made of natural cotton or muslin. These materials are not able to completely retain oils and solids, so some grounds may end up in the cup. May add a slight bitterness to the drink. After each use, they need to be washed, but it is better to do this without using traditional detergents, which may subsequently affect the taste of the drinks for the worse. You can wash them by hand or in the dishwasher without using detergent. In order to avoid the accumulation of fungi, mold or pathogenic bacteria on the surface, the bags must be stored correctly. One option is to store it in the refrigerator. Low temperature will not allow bacteria and germs to multiply. It is recommended to change fabric bags at least once every three months.
Metal
These products have a fundamentally different structure. They have fairly large holes that are not able to retain oil and part of the grounds. The drink passed through them turns out strong, rich and bitter. It is advisable to drink it hot or warm, since after cooling the taste can significantly deteriorate. Their advantages include ease of cleaning and maintenance, durability, and accessibility. They do not absorb moisture and are not susceptible to attacks from pathogens.
Nylon
These rather expensive, reusable devices are usually purchased for advanced coffee makers with many functions. For special connoisseurs, a gold nylon filter coated with titanium nitride is available. They are suitable for coarsely ground coffee and retain small particles. The result is a medium-rich, aromatic drink. It is recommended to change regular nylon bags every three months, and gold bags once every six months.
In addition to those described above, you can find products made of silicone, wood, or a combination of several different materials.
Regardless of the material from which this product is made, it must meet basic safety requirements and quality standards. When interacting with boiling water, no harmful substances or their compounds should be released that could spoil the taste of the drink or harm health.
How to make a filter for a drip coffee maker with your own hands
What to do quickly when faced with the need to replace the filter, and the supply at home has run out? You can easily solve this problem at home.
The simplest material you need for this is paper.
Important: Before you begin, you need to check the quality of the paper when exposed to water. A material that is too dense will increase the filtration time, and low-quality loose cellulose will simply “fall apart” upon contact with boiling water and will not be able to make coffee.
Also, do not use paper with printing ink and glue, or photographs; this will significantly spoil the drink and may even harm your health.
Thick white or brown napkins or paper towels are convenient in this case.
The last option is the most successful, since the towel is highly porous, so it quickly lets through
The last option is the most successful, since the towel is highly porous, so it quickly allows water to pass through, and retains large particles of coffee well. We also note that filters of any size can be cut from a towel.
For example: take a saucer and trace it on a piece of towel. Using scissors, cut out a square or circle, fold it in half, and then in half again. Pour ground coffee into this homemade filter and insert it into the funnel and then into the cup. Slowly pour boiling water through the prepared structure and get an aromatic and invigorating drink.
If you suddenly don’t have high-quality paper at hand, you can use a fabric option - a bandage, a cotton towel, gauze or a sheet.
An important detail: the fabric used should not be dyed, since otherwise, when exposed to hot water, “tasteless” chemical dyes may be added to the drink.
We recommend taking a clean medical bandage or gauze. Just be sure to rinse the material thoroughly before brewing to prevent a medicinal aftertaste from the prepared drink.
For more thorough filtration, fold the gauze in several layers.
A very interesting option for making a filter element would be to use nylon women's tights as a material.
A cut out square or circle from tights will be a wonderful coffee filter. In addition, it can be used several times.
Also on the list of homemade products are metal strainers from teapots. The obvious disadvantage of using them is their small size and poor throughput. These strainers usually become clogged with coffee mixture very quickly and therefore require constant cleaning. Fans do not recommend preparing coffee in this way - the drink turns out unsaturated and unflavoured.
Why do you need a filter package?
In addition to the positive effect on the taste and richness of tea, coffee or herbal decoction, these products have a number of other advantages. They make it possible to avoid using a tea strainer, ensuring the preparation of a clean drink without grounds and particles of tea leaves, and save time on the brewing process. Their use is very simple and understandable even to a child. Affordable cost and the possibility of repeated use of some types complete the list of advantages of these accessories.
Which coffee funnel is better?
During the existence of funnels, inquisitive coffee lovers have tried many shapes and materials. And if the shape was quickly agreed upon on a cone, then there was no consensus on what was better suited - ceramics, steel, glass or plastic.
The answer was found in physics textbooks, plastic won! In short, plastic heats up faster and conducts heat much less than ceramics, which means it better maintains the desired temperature during a spill. The result is a cleaner, brighter coffee taste. You can also drop plastic funnels on the floor and take them with you when traveling.
Areas of application
The following groups can be distinguished from among the main consumers of these products:
- Ordinary buyers. Filter bags are used in many families, and expensive types in beautiful packaging can be purchased not only for personal needs, but also as a gift.
- Restaurants, bars, cafes. Portioned types of goods are in demand, allowing you to regulate the consumption of components and the strength of the finished drink.
- Offices. Here, most often, large sets of disposable bags are used, which after use can simply be thrown into the trash.
- Hotels and hostels. The use of filters makes it easy to satisfy the wide needs of guests in terms of the quality and strength of various drinks.
The scope of application of these products is not limited to the categories listed above. They can be used for railway passengers, at various tastings, etc.
Model overview
There are many interesting coffee machines of varying prices:
- BoschTKA 8631 - this coffee machine has a power of 1160 W and a volume of 1.2 liters. The device is equipped with a transparent glass jug, a removable water container and a removable slanted filter. It has a water level indicator and a drop limiter;
- SiemensTC86303 is a model very similar to Bosch even in design. It has the same 1160W power and 1.2L capacity and also offers a glass jug and water level indicator. Those who love order will appreciate the storage cord and protection from coffee drips;
- RusselHobbs 21702-56 Retro is an offer for lovers of retro style. The large 1.25 liter jug allows you to brew up to 10 cups of coffee at the same time. The manufacturer boasts advanced water dosing technology, which allows you to extract better and richer taste from coffee. The keep warm function is also a nice addition;
- MelittaLookIV 1011 – this model is available in two colors – black and white. It has a power of 1000 W and a volume of 1.25 liters and is equipped with a glass jug, an anti-drip system and an automatic shut-off function;
- GrundigKM7280 – this model offers a power of 1000 W and a volume of 1.8 liters. The coffee is brewed at a temperature of 95 degrees Celsius, has manual adjustment of the drink strength and a drip limiter.
The best manufacturers
These include the companies Cilia, Finum, Clean Cup, NORDLAND and a number of other enterprises located both in Russia and abroad.
The brands Cilia and Finum come from Germany. The products of these brands are not cheap, but they are of unsurpassed quality and complete safety.
Clean cup - domestic manufacturer. Its products are affordable and are in high demand among tea and coffee lovers.
NORDLAND is a European brand with factories in Germany, Italy and Spain. The products comply with strict European quality and safety standards.
In addition to those listed, there are also a huge number of large and small enterprises that produce similar products.
A little history
Initially, metal mesh, ceramic funnels with holes, and even canvas were used to filter coffee in Europe, but the paper filter as we know it today was invented and patented in 1908 in Germany. 35-year-old housewife Melitta Benz, tired of coffee grounds at the bottom of her cup, used her son's blotter as a filter, and after some time founded the Melitta company, which to this day produces all kinds of coffee utensils, including funnels, in addition to filters.
Rating of the best filter bags for brewing
This selection contains products that are in high demand and have positive customer reviews.
Rating of the best filter bags for brewing costing up to 500 rubles
This list contains the most budget options that combine good quality and safety at a relatively low cost.
Melitta Cilia S
Average price – 190 rubles.
A pack of 80 may contain disposable filters in white or beige. A fairly large volume allows you to brew not only tea and coffee, but also herbal infusions.
coffee filters Melitta Cilia S
Advantages:
- large volume;
- different colors;
- affordable price.
Flaws:
- not found.
FilterOk No. 3
Average price – 290 rub.
This product is made from an eco-friendly material that is a mixture of plant and thermoplastic fibers. It does not emit harmful impurities and is completely devoid of any odor. The design of the bag is designed in such a way that tea or herbs that swell under the influence of hot water remain securely closed and do not fall into the cup.
coffee filters FilterOk No. 3
Advantages:
- large volume;
- environmentally friendly material;
- convenient form.
Flaws:
- not found.
Clean Cup 1605
Average price – 331 rub.
The package contains 100 disposable bags made of paper, measuring 5.5 x 12 cm. They completely contain all small particles, preventing them from falling into the cup.
coffee filters Clean Cup 1605
Advantages:
- budget cost;
- goods of a domestic manufacturer;
- comfortable shape;
- quality material;
- does not affect the taste of the drink.
Flaws:
- not found.
NORDLAND (for cup)
Average price – 390 rubles.
The box contains 100 disposable bags, manufactured in accordance with EU standards for environmental friendliness and safety. Thanks to the convenient rectangular shape, they completely retain particles of tea or herbs.
coffee filters NORDLAND (for cup)
Advantages:
- safe for humans;
- do not let sediment into the cup;
- do not affect the taste and smell of drinks.
Flaws:
- not found.
Topper 3049
Average price – 445 rubles.
The pack contains 200 disposable bags made of unbleached, specially treated microporous paper. Made using glueless technology. Designed for drip coffee makers. The product is certified.
coffee filters Topperr 3049
Advantages:
- German quality;
- comfortable shape;
- manufactured without exposure to chlorine.
Flaws:
- Add a slight papery taste to the drink.
Rating of the best filter bags for brewing costing from 500 to 1000 rubles
Various types of goods are presented, used both in everyday life and in catering establishments, hotels, etc.
Russian tea company
Average price – 540 rubles.
Disposable paper bags are designed for brewing tea and collecting herbs. One package contains 100 pieces. Size – 85 x 135 mm. Suitable for both cup and teapot. Equipped with a valve.
coffee filters Russian tea company
Advantages:
- budget cost;
- goods of a domestic manufacturer;
- convenient to use.
Flaws:
- may affect the taste of the drink.
"Economy" for a teapot
Average price – 652 rubles.
Disposable paper bags are suitable for brewing tea or herbs, as well as coffee. Made from bleached paper. have a convenient rectangular shape. Size – 9 x 15 cm. One package contains 100 pieces.
Economy coffee filters for kettle
Advantages:
- budget cost;
- good quality;
- versatility.
Flaws:
- may add flavor to the drink.
Topperr 3051
Average price – 866 rubles.
Disposable bags made of bleached microporous paper are designed for brewing tea and herbal infusions, there are 80 of them in a package. Retains even the smallest particles of the mixture.
coffee filters Topperr 3051
Advantages:
- convenient rectangular shape;
- German quality;
- do not change the taste and smell of drinks;
- do not emit harmful substances.
Flaws:
- high price.
Clean Cup “For Teapot”
Average price – 925 rubles.
The box contains 50 bags measuring 10 x 13 cm, which are perfect for a teapot. The product is made of synthetic neutral fibers PP and PE, approved in the food industry and medicine, and is equipped with ties to prevent tea leaves and solid particles of herbs from getting into the teapot. They can also be used to brew ground coffee.
coffee filters Clean Cup “For teapot”
Advantages:
- contains no cellulose;
- does not affect the taste and aroma of the drink;
- versatility;
- ultra-thin material is instantly saturated with water, but does not get wet;
- withstands temperatures up to 130 degrees;
- ties ensure retention of solid particles inside the bag;
- attractive packaging design.
Flaws:
- not found.
Filtero Classic No. 4
Average price – 940 rubles.
Disposable filters with a classic trapezoidal shape are made of unbleached paper in a pleasant brown color that harmonizes perfectly with the color of the coffee beans. Can be used for drip coffee makers. Available in a full line of sizes, from 1 to 6. Pack contains 80 pieces.
coffee filters Filtero Classic No. 4
Advantages:
- manufactured in the Netherlands in accordance with European quality standards;
- comfortable shape;
- safe material.
Flaws:
- not found.
Rating of the best filter bags for brewing costing over 1000 rubles
This category presents the most expensive types of filter bags, which can be used not only for personal consumption, but also as a gift.
Smokva 29845796
Average price – 1004 rubles.
Small, convenient disposable bags measuring 85x65 mm are made of health-safe fabric and are equipped with a valve that prevents the contents from falling into the cup. One pack contains 100 pieces.
coffee filters Smokva 29845796
Advantages:
- safety and reliability;
- ease of use;
- durability;
- do not affect the taste and aroma of the drink.
Flaws:
- not found.
KIWAMI 26095464
Average price – 1025 rubles.
This product has the following composition: thermal fiber - 20%, Arabica fiber - 20%, wood fiber - 60%. Suitable for brewing tea and herbal infusions. Made using glue-free technology, they are absolutely safe and do not change the taste and aroma of drinks. They are disposable and must be disposed of after use. Sold in two packs, each containing 100 bags.
coffee filters KIWAMI 26095464
Advantages:
- made without the use of chlorine;
- Ease of use;
- environmental friendliness.
Flaws:
- not found.
Chemex
Average price - 1490 rubles.
Cone-shaped filters from an American manufacturer for brewing coffee are made of unbleached cellulose. Also available in bleached material.
Chemex coffee filters
Advantages:
- Ideal for Chemex coffee machines;
- ease of operation;
- convenient form.
Flaws:
- Give the drink the taste and smell of paper.
Moccamaster
Average price – 1499 rubles.
Paper filters from a manufacturer from the Netherlands are made in the shape of a cupcake and are suitable for drip coffee makers that have a coffee basket with a flat bottom. The paper used for them is bleached using oxygen rather than chlorine.
Moccamaster coffee filters
Advantages:
- very durable;
- safety meets EU standards;
- do not change the taste and aroma.
Flaws:
- not found.
Rariy filter packages
Average price – 1529 rubles.
These disposable bags, made of non-woven fabric, have durable stitching on the sides and are equipped with ties to prevent particulate matter from coffee, tea or herbs from getting into the cup. There are 100 pieces in one package. size – 120 x 160 mm.
coffee filters Rariy filter bags
Advantages:
- Suitable for both cup and teapot;
- comfortable shape;
- neutral material that does not affect taste and aroma.
Flaws:
- high price.
Principles of brewing coffee in immersion
For immersion brewing, I recommend using a coarse grind (visually coarser than granulated sugar), coarser than usually used for the V60 funnel. The coarser the grind, the longer we infuse the coffee in water, but take into account reasonable limits on the grind size and time.
For an immersion funnel, we focus on an infusion time of 3 to 5 minutes, and if we use an immersion such as a French press, we increase the time to 6-8 minutes. Let me remind you that if in a French press it is enough to squeeze the plunger and pour coffee into cups, then in methods with a filter you need to follow the recipe: infuse the coffee in water for a certain amount of time, then open the valve. Total brew time means the drink is completely filtered. Therefore, if you do not hit the desired recipe time, this is a signal that you need to check the grinding. But, of course, after you taste the drink. Perhaps the recipe will be suitable for your coffee.
I recommend using a water temperature of 93-96 °C. Immersion devices are made of different materials - plastic, ceramics, metal. Ceramic and metal funnels must be warmed up before brewing to avoid temperature loss during brewing.
Whether to pre-wet is up to you. In my opinion, this step produces a brighter flavor. But you can do without pre-wetting and immediately pour in the entire volume of water.
You also decide whether to stir the coffee with a spoon during brewing or not. You can follow the recipe above, or you can leave the infusion alone. Active stirring causes the coffee to brew faster, which can lead to over-extraction (over-brewing).
I do not recommend using very light and dark roasted coffee in immersion methods. From the Torrefacto catalog, groups D and C are suitable. For coffee with a growing altitude of 1600-1700 m and above, as well as washed processing, I recommend using a slightly finer grind in the optimal range. But focus primarily on how you feel about the taste of the drink.
Despite the many parameters that I recommend following, I love immersion methods precisely for their simplicity. I added coffee, added water, when the time came, filtered and enjoy.
You can purchase the December funnel from our catalog.
Where can I buy
A huge number of both real and virtual stores sell these goods. They are easy to find in specialized tea and coffee shops, as well as in large hypermarkets. Packages can be sold either in sets or individually. Due to the simplicity of these products and the relatively few features to look for, buying online and paying online is almost as reliable an option as buying in a brick-and-mortar store.
Selection of coffee for pour over
It is important to choose the right raw materials for the coffee ceremony. Then the preparation process and the resulting drink will bring a lot of pleasure.
Experts recommend brewing only Arabica beans using the pour-over method. Robusta imparts excessive bitterness to the product. The roasting of the beans should be light or medium.
This brewing method allows you to prepare delicious and aromatic coffee with a rich, rich aroma. If paper filters are used, then there will be almost no essential oils in the finished drink. But the grooves on the funnel will allow you to maximize the characteristic aroma of the variety.
However, you should not choose flavored coffee for pour over. It’s better to experiment with varieties, brewing one variety or another. It is also undesirable to make mixtures.
The most delicious and aromatic coffee comes from freshly ground beans.
How to choose the right one
One of the common mistakes mentioned above is the mismatch between the size of the bag and the funnel of the device with which it is used. In addition, you need to pay attention to the volume: some products are suitable for a teapot, others - for one cup. There are also universal options that can be used in any dish.
In addition, you need to look at parameters such as the material from which the bag is made and its shape. Disposable or reusable is an equally important characteristic that should not be forgotten.
The use of filter bags is also a great opportunity for creativity. With their help, you can create a unique drink from hand-made mixtures of different types of tea, herbs, dry berries and other ingredients. A cup of an invigorating, aromatic drink will certainly improve your mood and make every day even more wonderful!
Why the most popular funnels are Hario
If you ask someone familiar with the coffee world which coffee funnel to choose, most likely they will advise you to buy the Hario V60 funnel. This brand gained worldwide fame thanks to international competitions. For example, 5 of the last 7 Brewers Cups were won by participants using the Hario V60. So these funnels began to appear first in specialty coffee shops, and then in the kitchens of delicious coffee connoisseurs.
Next year, the manufacturer of heat-resistant glass from Japan will turn 100 years old. Paradoxically, for various reasons, they launched their legendary “V60” brewing funnels into full-scale production only in 2004!
The first models were produced exclusively from Japanese Arita-yaki porcelain, later Hario engineers began to use glass to produce the “V60”, and finally plastic, which, as you will learn below, is an ideal material for brewing.
The name of the model contains the main secret of the ideal form, according to the Japanese. V is the cone, and 60 is the angle in degrees at which the walls of the funnel are located when viewed in profile.
