Our recommendation – probably metal or ceramic.
A coffee filter you use every day is a long-term choice. It’s true though that overall the choice between a plastic reusable coffee filter and a metal coffee filter depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Here are some factors to help you choose between metal and coffee filters (with the caveat of course that plastic is often cheaper).
- Durability: Metal filters are generally more durable than plastic filters, and are less likely to crack or warp over time.
- Taste: Some people believe that metal filters allow more of the coffee’s natural oils to pass through, resulting in a richer, more flavorful cup of coffee. Plastic filters may affect the taste of the coffee.
- Environmental impact: Metal filters are reusable and can be used for a long time, reducing the amount of waste compared to disposable paper filters. Plastic filters, although reusable, are not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to degrade.
- Cleaning: Metal filters are easy to clean and can be washed in a dishwasher or with soap and water. Plastic filters can be more difficult to clean and may retain odors or bacteria over time.
- Cost: Metal filters can be more expensive than plastic filters, but they will last longer and save money in the long run.
In summary, the choice between a plastic reusable coffee filter and a metal coffee filter depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Metal filters are more durable, provide a better taste, have a lower environmental impact, and are easier to clean. Plastic filters are less expensive, but they may affect the taste of the coffee and have a higher environmental impact.
Why should I use a metal coffee filter?
In short, yes! Get a metal coffee filter to help the environment, and honestly, make better coffee.
- Environmental benefits: Metal coffee filters are reusable, which means they can be used multiple times before needing to be replaced. This can reduce waste compared to disposable paper filters.
- Better flavor: Some people believe that metal filters allow more of the coffee’s natural oils to pass through, resulting in a richer, more flavorful cup of coffee.
- Cost-effective: Reusable metal filters can be more cost-effective in the long run as you don’t need to keep buying disposable paper filters.
- Easy to clean: Metal filters can be easily cleaned by rinsing them with water or running them through the dishwasher.
- Micron size control: Metal filters can be made with different micron sizes, this allows for more control over the fineness of the coffee grounds, which can affect the strength and flavor of the coffee.
It’s worth noting that metal filters will let some of the sediment of the coffee pass through and reach the cup, if you don’t like that you should consider a paper filter or a gold-tone filter that is designed to trap the sediment.
