☕Best filters for brewing tea and coffee for 2022

Paper filters are the most common types of filters for drip coffee makers and more. They have two undeniable advantages - ease of use, in which there is no need to wash anything - after preparing the drink, the bag is simply thrown away, and the quality of filtration - you can even add powdered grinding, and it will be filtered efficiently. We'll tell you all about paper coffee filters - how to choose, how they differ, and whether you can make them yourself.

History of invention

While humanity has been drinking coffee for hundreds of years, the paper filter was invented relatively recently, just over a century ago, by a German housewife named Melitta Benz. Melitta didn’t like coffee sediment in the cup, and came up with the idea of ​​putting a blotter from her son’s notebook into a small pot with holes. Already in 1908, the method was patented, and the Melitta company, which today is run by the grandchildren of an enterprising woman, is still a leader in the production of disposable coffee filters.

Rating of quality coffee funnels

TOPPERR 34839224

Microporous filter paper is used to make these devices. The product belongs to the disposable category. The material is not bleached. Produced in Germany, one of the best European manufacturers of paper products. Declared dimensions: 40x130 mm. No adhesive is used during the gluing process. The delivery set includes 300 elements. The composition contains no harmful additives or inclusions.

Cost – 1400 rub.

coffee filters TOPPERR 34839224

Advantages:

• manufacturer's warranty;
• numerous positive reviews;
• affordable purchase;
• equipment;
• safe composition.

Flaws:

• not identified.

KITCHEN STORE 35982316

These filters are designed for brewing coffee drinks. The delivery set includes 40 units of products. Made in the form of cones, which simplifies the subsequent process of use. Can be used in combination with coffee makers or pour-over funnels. One product will allow you to prepare a drink for two cups. Cellulose is used for production, without foreign and harmful inclusions. Declared dimensions: 150x110 mm. Produced in China.

Average price – 900 rubles.

coffee filters KITCHEN STORE 35982316

Advantages:

• quality of material;
• absence of harmful additives and dyes;
• multifunctionality;
• compact dimensions.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Timemore 16897479

This model is designed for brewing ground coffee in a pour over. Available in the form of funnels. The delivery set includes 50 products that belong to the disposable category. The filter is placed in a special funnel, and ground grains are poured on top. During the brewing process, the drink is filtered from small particles. One product is designed to brew 2-4 cups of aromatic drink. Stated dimensions: 120x35 mm. Made in China.

How much does the packaging cost? The purchase will cost 863 rubles.

coffee filters Timemore 16897479

Advantages:

• safety;
• numerous positive reviews;
• practicality;
• standard dimensions.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Filtero 4126445

100% cellulose is used to make accessories. There are no harmful or hazardous inclusions. The delivery set includes three packages of 80 products. The material is not subjected to bleaching, so it has a natural color. Such devices will be an excellent addition to most drip coffee makers. One sachet is enough to prepare a flavorful drink for 4-8 cups. Declared dimensions: 120x165 mm. The seams are not taped. Produced in the Netherlands.

Average price – 773 rubles.

coffee filters Filtero 4126445

Advantages:

• product quality;
• equipment;
• numerous positive reviews;
• versatility.

Flaws:

• not identified.

HARIO 15286988

These paper structures are used for preparing coffee drinks using pour-over technology. An excellent solution for simultaneously preparing a drink for 4 cups. The basis is the use of environmentally friendly material. Only oxygen is used to bleach it. The delivery set includes 100 elements. Declared dimensions: 150x150 mm. Produced in the Netherlands. It is not recommended to store ground coffee in bags, since moisture in the room will easily penetrate into the raw material.

Cost – 688 rub.

coffee filters HARIO 15286988

Advantages:

• unlimited service life;
• numerous positive reviews;
• ease of use;
• compact dimensions;
• multifunctionality.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Benefits of disposable paper filters

In addition to the obvious convenience and filtration of even the smallest particles of grounds, such filter bags also have other advantages:

• The smallest pores trap the compounds cafestol and caffeol, natural alkaloids, as well as oils, which, according to some data, can increase cholesterol. So coffee made from disposable filters is definitely healthier than coffee made from reusable ones.
• Paper is an environmentally friendly, biodegradable material that is safe for nature and humans, and it decomposes faster than any other options, for example, the same fabrics through which coffee is also filtered.
• The growth of bacteria and the appearance of an unpleasant musty smell and taste are excluded, since the product is thrown away immediately after use.
• There are practically no disadvantages, except that it can be used once. And you need to monitor stocks and purchase suitable or universal modifications in time.

Types of disposable paper filters

There are many modifications on the market that differ in paper type, shape, size and other characteristics. The choice depends on the type and brand of coffee maker, your preferences, budget, etc.

Filter paper

The production uses bleached and unbleached paper, as well as bamboo.

• Natural filters, made from unbleached brown paper. This is the natural color of cellulose, which is obtained from wood. There is no glue in the seams and no bleach is used. It is believed that this is the most environmentally friendly option, but coffee lovers may feel the taste of cardboard in the products of some manufacturers. To get rid of it, you first need to pour boiling water through the filter, drain the water, and then pour in the coffee and brew it as usual. If you notice a taste, repeat the washing procedure twice. If it doesn’t help, switch to filters from another manufacturer.
• White paper filters can be bleached with chlorine dioxide (ECF) and oxygen or ozone (TCF). The bleaching method is indicated on the packaging. Oxygen bleaching is considered to be less harmful to the environment. For chlorine, it is not pure chlorine that is used, but its compounds, and the technology is designed in such a way that there is no chlorine left in the filters; using them is completely safe for health. Bleached filters do not introduce any foreign smell or taste, but notes of cardboard (especially in inexpensive options) can be felt, and in this case, rinsing with boiling water should also help.
• Bamboo ones are produced mainly by Melitta, although you can find options from Aliexpressa made by little-known manufacturers. In this case, bamboo replaces most of the cellulose, which causes less harm to the environment and eliminates the cardboard taste in the drink. They usually cost more than their cellulose counterparts.

Filter shape

Depending on the type of coffee maker and the options for preparing the drink, filters can be flat-bottomed, conical, with smooth or ribbed walls.

• ​With a flat bottom - more suitable for brewing drip coffee directly in a cup, although they can also be used in coffee makers.
• ​Conical - for a drip coffee maker, but can be used for both a Chemex and a cup.
• ​Filters with ribbed walls are the best choice for pour overs, as they distribute the liquid evenly, but they are also used for cups, since the size is easily adjusted.

If necessary, filters of different shapes can be interchanged, but care must be taken to ensure that the product does not move too much or become deformed in the process.

Filter size

The dimensions of the filter bags are always written on the packaging. And they usually indicate the appropriate size on the holder itself, inside the coffee maker. For example, the Melitta brand indicates 1x2 or 1x6 on the coffee maker, which means that in one fill the filter can hold the amount of coffee intended for 2 or 6 cups. In other coffee makers, it is also usually calculated approximately by the number of cups; the most common options for disposable coffee filters are No. 2 and No. 4 (for 2 and 4 cups, respectively). Typically, No. 2 is used for coffee makers with a capacity of 600-800 ml, and No. 4 is used for a capacity of about 1-1.2 liters.

For brewing in a cup, you can take bags numbered 1 or 2.

Reusable filter

Reusable filters are believed to help save money. However, sometimes very little difference is felt. It happens that disposable filters are not much cheaper. Reusable filters are convenient and environmentally friendly. The production of disposable paper filters requires the cutting down of trees and forests, and then, after using them only once, they must be thrown away. Also, reusable filters are not suitable for fine grinding.

Fabric filters for coffee maker

The fabric filter can be used in drip coffee makers, funnels, and Chemex.

Natural fabrics such as cotton, hemp, muslin, chintz, linen, organic cotton materials, towels, gauze and bandages are used to make the filter. Nylon is also suitable as a material for a fabric filter.

They are reusable filters, but are used for no more than three months. Over time, they lose their qualities and accumulate dust particles that worsen the taste of coffee. The filter must be changed immediately after foreign tastes appear in the drink.

When properly stored, pathogenic bacteria and other types of microbes do not multiply on the filter. There is experience storing fabric filters in the refrigerator after washing to extend their service life.

You need to choose porous fabrics without paint or patterns. Undyed or lightly dyed, colorless, white fabrics work best. Because exposure to high temperatures can transfer coloring matter into the finished drink.

Advantages:

• Environmental Safety;
• Naturalness and ease of use;
• Reusable

Flaws:

• Marking and the need for frequent and thorough cleaning
• Passing coffee grounds into the drink due to high porosity;
• Possibility of bacterial development and contamination, resulting in health hazards.

Fabric filters should be washed after brewing coffee every time. Over time, the fabric will change color. When washing, do not use synthetic detergents, fragrances, conditioners and fragrances. Such substances can spoil the taste of coffee. Also, coffee filters should not be washed with other items. Fabric filters should be washed with natural products or clean water; powder should not be used either.

At home, a fabric filter can be made from a medical bandage and gauze. Gauze or bandage should be folded in many layers to improve cleaning.

Cut a round piece from fabric or several layers of gauze. Add fabric to the hems one centimeter at a time. Fold the edges and sew. Place right side into the holder.

Coffee grounds and oils can pass through the porous fabric, causing sediment to form in the brew. Therefore, the extraction process can continue further and impart bitterness to the drink.

Nylon filters

Most coffee makers today have nylon filters. In them, nylon is stretched over a plastic frame. They are less expensive than paper ones, thin and simple.

Manufacturers assure that they can be used more than 60 times without replacement.

Advantages:

• Opportunity to save;
• There is no need to change the filter every time;
• Safety;
• Slight coffee sediment.

Flaws:

• Requires cleaning every time;
• Designed for coarsely ground coffee.

To prevent foreign odors from arising over time, the nylon filter must be carefully washed and dried properly. To prevent seams from tearing, try not to wash too hard. A nylon filter lasts about six months.

They need to be washed in water and soap or detergent. Simply rinsing may leave behind coffee oils that will oxidize and turn rancid, thereby degrading the taste of the coffee.

Golden filter

This is also made of nylon, with a wear-resistant and decorative coating of titanium nitride in gold.

This treatment extends the service life of the filter and improves its quality. They have the same disadvantages as simple nylon ones. However, they are durable, practical and durable.

Metal filter

These filters are made of durable and strong stainless steel. Because of this reusable use, it is more valuable and requires frequent maintenance.

Metal filters are included with some types of coffee makers. They are also made from titanium. There are models with a metal frame with a nylon mesh. Sometimes they are made entirely of metal. It is necessary to wash the joints thoroughly so that the pores do not trap dust. Proper care will extend its service life. Sometimes the taste of metal transfers to coffee.

Pros:

• Use only coarsely ground coffee;
• Allows coffee dust to pass through;
• Requires cleaning after each use;
• Passes through almost all components and therefore produces more intense, aromatic, invigorating, tasty coffee;
• Coffee makers have a lifetime of use and are therefore preferred by environmentalists;
• The metal filter is durable and does not break or break;
• Wash in a dishwashing machine.

Coffee maker strainer

A metal sieve is also useful as a filter. This is a ready-made design, you don’t need to do anything. Coffee makers use a cone-shaped strainer. But it becomes overcrowded quickly and throughput decreases. This will result in weak and tasteless coffee.

Prices for paper coffee filters

Sometimes they say that disposable products are expensive, and it’s worth switching to reusable ones, but if you calculate the average price for one piece, it turns out to be 1.5-4 rubles, which is not so much. And there are filters designed to prepare 2-4-6 cups or even more. In this case, the cost of one consumable may be less than 1 ruble. At the same time, there is no fuss with washing, no consumption of detergents, water, or time.

It is more profitable to buy filter bags in large packages, so savings can reach 15-25%.

It’s better not to buy generic cheap ones, they are often of very low quality and have a papery taste.

Which ones to choose and how often to change?

If you can choose to use a disposable or reusable filter element in a coffee machine, then take into account their features:

1. Replaceable ones are highly hygienic, but they need to be purchased regularly. The product is used once and then disposed of.
2. Reusable ones will last at least 6 months, but if not properly cleaned, they can accumulate harmful bacteria in the cells.
3. The cost of preparing a serving of coffee in a machine with reusable cleaning is cheaper. But it will take time to clean them regularly.

The average cost of packaging 100 paper products is about 300 rubles. Nylon ones cost from 400 rubles. Original metal models are the most expensive, their cost exceeds 2000 rubles.

Regardless of the chosen filter element model, you should not save money; low-quality products allow harmful substances to pass through and worsen the taste of the drink. When choosing, you should also consider personal preferences. If you drink strong coffee with a little sediment, then choose nylon or fabric. The choice of product size is made based on the expected volume of the finished drink and the capacity of the machine’s flask.

on one's own?

Sometimes paper filters run out at the most inopportune moment. It doesn’t matter, you can use various available means and still prepare a cup of your favorite aromatic drink. Among the options offered by Internet users:

• Plain paper, but preferably less dense. Try rolling a filter out of it and see if it allows water to pass through.
• ​Paper towels. Guaranteed to let water through, a good option.
• ​Table napkins, preferably more expensive and dense ones, those that are large in size, often double-layered, possibly with a pattern. Can be laid in 2 layers. Use the thinnest ones folded as they are in the package, alternatively - 2 pieces each. You can also use unscented handkerchiefs.
• Calico fabric, especially washed, is a very convenient option; you just need to cut it approximately in the shape of a paper filter. The edges don’t need to be processed in any way, this is for one time use only. In extreme cases, you can wash and use again.
• Several layers of gauze or a sterile pharmaceutical bandage, but the bandage must be washed to get rid of the pharmaceutical smell and taste that can transfer to the drink.

Rating of the best filters for brewing tea and herbs

Dukkan Ankara 15839476

This set consists of filters designed for brewing aromatic tea and herbal infusions. Stated dimensions: 9x15 cm. The delivery set includes 100 paper elements equipped with valves. A great way to prevent small debris from inflorescences from getting into a container with hot drink. Due to its compact dimensions, the products are convenient to store in the kitchen or take with you when traveling. If desired, you can use dried herbs and make preparations from them that could be brewed in the future. The capacity coefficient is 10 g. The device is closed by twisting. Made in China.

Average price – 1660 rubles.

coffee filters Dukkan Ankara 15839476

Advantages:

• durable material;
• resistance to high temperatures;
• safe composition;
• ease of subsequent use;
• unlimited service life.

Flaws:

• high price.

Gutenberg 19643848

Natural cellulose is used to make these devices. The material is white, but the manufacturer's bleaching process does not include the use of chlorine. Foreign inclusions and binding substances are also not used. There is enough space inside the filter to allow the dried tea to fully develop. Stated dimensions: 10x13 cm. Supplied in a convenient box equipped with a lid. The delivery set includes 100 products.

You can purchase the set at a price of RUB 1,116.

Gutenberg coffee filters 19643848

Advantages:

• compact dimensions;
• absence of foreign impurities;
• ease of use;
• comes in a can;
• unlimited service life.

Flaws:

• high price.

KIWAMI 26095464

The composition of these bags includes 20% thermal fiber, 20% Arabica fiber and 60% wood fiber. The products belong to the disposable category and are intended for brewing aromatic teas, as well as herbal infusions. The delivery set includes two packages of 100 elements. Eliminates the risk of small debris getting into a container with hot drinks. They do not have any extraneous taste or aroma, so they do not affect the taste of the drink. Allows you to keep dishes clean. Easy to use and subsequent disposal. The material belongs to the category of environmentally friendly and completely harmless. There is a lack of adhesive joints. Stated dimensions: 85x65 mm. Made in Russia.

Cost – 1025 rubles.

coffee filters KIWAMI 26095464

Advantages:

• the composition does not contain chlorine or harmful impurities;
• equipment;
• ease of subsequent use;
• environmental friendliness;
• unlimited service life.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Smokva 29845796

This set consists of 100 elements made of natural and safe fabric. Stated dimensions: 85x65 mm. Used for brewing herbal infusions and tea. Package weight – 44 g. It is characterized by increased convenience in subsequent use. The bags can be used when traveling or on business trips. The products do not have an expiration date.

Average price – 924 rubles.

coffee filters Smokva 29845796

Advantages:

• manufacturer's warranty;
• Excellent value for money and quality;
• unlimited service life;
• absence of foreign aromas;
• safe composition.

Flaws:

• not identified.

MarEL 13110743

This popular model is in high demand among domestic consumers, largely due to the high quality of the products offered and affordable prices. The products are intended for brewing herbal infusions and teas. The delivery set includes 50 elements. It does not use chlorine or other harmful components to bleach them. Produced in Russia.

Average price – 890 rub.

coffee filters MarEL 13110743

Advantages:

• equipment;
• affordable price;
• multifunctionality;
• unlimited service life;
• manufacturer's warranty.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Conclusions:

1. Disposable paper filters are the most popular, affordable and easy to use option.
2. They come in chlorine or oxygen bleached, unbleached brown (more environmentally friendly) and bamboo (more expensive).
3. It is better to take those that fit a specific coffee maker; standard sizes are No. 2 and No. 4, although they are often relatively interchangeable.
4. On average, the price of one filter is from 1.5 to 3.7 rubles, and they can be suitable for preparing 2-8 cups.
5. You can make a filter yourself from paper, paper towels, napkins, chintz, gauze or bandage.

Types

They differ in material:

• untreated brown - made without bleaches and joined using a glueless method;
• white - bleached with chlorine or oxygen-containing bleach;
• bamboo.

It is best to choose disposable filters connected without glue. For example, Zumman 3012 is made from high-quality material produced in Germany using glue-free technology. Therefore, its use allows you to improve the quality of the prepared coffee and make the preparation highly hygienic.

Filter for coffee maker Zumman 3012

Reusable use of filter elements can lead to the appearance of pathogenic microbes and fungi on their surface. And Zumman 3012 replacement filters are thrown away immediately after use, so they are more hygienic.

Nylon

Some coffee makers are equipped with a nylon-covered frame made of plastic or metal. This nylon filter allows up to 60 uses.

Advantages:

• from a financial point of view - the most economical type;
• with gentle use they last longer.

Flaws:

• require regular cleaning;
• are used exclusively for coarsely ground grains: fine ones wear out the filter element faster.

Nylon Reusable Filter

You can choose a similar product taking into account the manufacturer: for example, a reusable Philips filter is suitable for a Philips drip coffee maker. Before purchasing, you should make sure it is compatible with a specific model. Philips usually provides this data in the form of a table.

Gold

Nylon was improved with a coating of titanium nitride and called gold.

Advantages:

• no need for frequent replacement;
• last longer than nylon ones;
• cleans well.

Flaws:

• require perfect cleanliness;
• are used exclusively for coarsely ground grains.

Golden filter

Fabric

The most environmentally friendly, they are made of cotton, hemp or muslin. Their pores are larger than those of paper products, so the brewed coffee will contain some sediment. But some coffee lovers consider this a plus.

Advantages:

• environmental friendliness;
• coffee with sediment - for lovers of this particular drink;

Flaws:

• the fabric darkens;
• use is limited to a period of sixty days to six months, depending on the frequency of switching on the device.

Fabric filter

Others

There are porcelain, steel and plastic filters, but in Russian realities they are rare. They are mainly used in eastern countries.

Note! The question of choice for geyser and carob coffee makers is not so acute, since in the first the coffee is filtered through a special strainer, and in the second this function is performed by the horn. Both the strainer and the horn are mandatory parts of the device.